Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 7/5/2007

Question
I have a 1943 silver penny in great condition.  What is it worth?

Answer
Jesse, most likely you do not have a silver penny but rather a zinc coated steel one.  The U.S. mint made over a billion zinc coated steel cents in 1943 because copper was an essential element for the war effort.  The 1943 cent has a value of around 10 cents or so if it has circulated and is worn.  If it is in pristine uncirculated condition, it can be worth a dollar or two.  But with so many made, demand would have to increase greatly before the price would go much higher.

If you go to www.ebay.com and do a search for 1943 cent and then 1943 penny, I'm sure you'll see lots of these for sale, including some "certified" by third party grading services.  You can see what sellers are asking and what bidders are bidding.

Jim Lawniczak