The 1943 Cent

ANA Video Vignette

In this video, Rod Gillis explores the fascinating story of the 1943 cent. Minted from steel to conserve copper during World War II, these coins are often mistakenly thought to be rare, though over a billion were produced across three mints in 1943.The true rarity lies in the elusive 1943 copper cent, of which only a few exist. To tell the difference, Rod suggests using a magnet: steel cents will be attracted, while copper ones won’t—unless the coin has been altered, a trick detectable by experts.If you’re unsure of your coin’s authenticity, consult a local dealer for verification. While finding a 1943 copper cent might seem like hitting the jackpot, it’s extremely rare.