One of the most iconic U.S. Mint errors is set to return to the market. Stack’s Bowers Galleries will offer a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent, graded AU-55 by PCGS and approved with a Gold CAC sticker, on March 10, 2026. This coin represents a rare window into wartime coinage and American numismatic history.
Fewer than ten 1943-S bronze cents are known to exist, making this piece the third finest among confirmed survivors. Its Gold CAC approval further elevates its status, marking it as the only 1943 bronze cent to carry this designation. Collectors and enthusiasts alike recognize it as both a Mint error and a cultural icon.
The 1943 Bronze Cent: A National Treasure
During the 1940s, rumors of the elusive “1943 copper penny” sparked nationwide hunts. Publicity stunts and tales of extraordinary rewards fueled the fascination, embedding the coin in American pop culture. For decades, casual collectors and numismatists alike scoured pocket change in hopes of uncovering one of these rare anomalies.
The coin’s origin stems from a unique historical moment. With World War II underway, copper was redirected to support the war effort, including artillery shell production. To conserve copper, the U.S. Mint issued zinc-coated steel cents in 1943.
| Mint | 1943 Steel Cent Production |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 684,628,670 |
| Denver | 217,660,000 |
| San Francisco | 191,550,000 |
Despite strict controls, a handful of bronze planchets from 1942 inadvertently entered production, resulting in the famed 1943 bronze cents. Most experts agree this error was unintentional, though debate persists about whether some examples may have been struck deliberately.
Confirmed Survivors and Their Significance
The 1943 bronze cent is exceptionally rare, with only a few confirmed examples:
| Mint | Confirmed Bronze Cents |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 17 |
| San Francisco | 7 |
| Denver | 1 (unique) |
The lone Denver example sold for $840,000 in 2021, illustrating the extreme collector demand for these pieces. Most surviving coins show circulation wear, supporting theories of accidental release into commerce.
The March 10 Offering: Third Finest Known
The upcoming 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent stands out not just for rarity but for quality. Graded AU-55, the coin retains softly frosted luster, strong strike detail, and vibrant chocolate-brown color with subtle orange, lilac, and pink undertones. Small identifying marks ensure its authenticity and provenance.
Its pedigree is distinguished:
- Ex Fred Weinberg (1979)
- Ex Dwight Berger (1983)
- Sorensen Collection (1980s)
- Previously certified by ANACS and PCGS
- Offered at Heritage’s 2016 FUN Signature Auction
The Gold CAC sticker signals undergrading at its assigned level, making this example singular among surviving 1943 bronze cents.
Cultural and Numismatic Legacy
The 1943 bronze cent remains a legend in American numismatics. It ranks No. 11 in 100 Greatest U.S. Coins (2019) and No. 4 in 100 Greatest U.S. Error Coins (2010), reflecting both its error status and cultural resonance. For generations, it symbolized the idea that extraordinary value could hide in ordinary change—a concept that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
This March, bidders will compete not just for rarity but for a tangible piece of American history. The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent endures as a timeless emblem of innovation, error, and national fascination.