1943-S Bronze Copper Wheat Penny Value: What Is It Worth in 2026?

What a 1943 wheat penny looks like

The base design is the same as the photo — the Bronze Copper variety is described in the sections below.

How to judge the condition of your coin

• Look at the wheat stalks first. On a worn coin (like the photo — about "Good" grade), the stalk lines are mostly smooth. If every line and grain in the stalks is sharp, you are looking at Extremely Fine or better.
• Then check Lincoln's cheek and jaw. These are the highest points on the front. Wear shows there before anywhere else; a flat cheek means a lower grade.
• When in doubt, grade down. Sellers systematically overgrade; use the lower row of the price table and you will not be disappointed.

Worn-coin photo: Mark Morgan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

How to confirm it's genuine

• The mint mark sits directly below the date — it should be the letter "S". A magnifier with light at a 45° angle works best.
• Never clean the coin: cleaning destroys the original surface and can cut the value in half.
• 1943 self-test: if a magnet sticks, it's a normal steel cent (some people call it the 'iron penny' — same coin, though it's actually zinc-coated steel). If it doesn't stick, you may have the rare bronze error — get it professionally authenticated immediately.
• For any coin worth more than $200, PCGS/NGC grading fees (~$20–50) are money well spent.

Where to sell this coin

• eBay works best in the $1.00–$200 range. Take clear photos of both sides in natural light, and put the year, mint mark, and approximate grade in the title.
• A local coin dealer is the fastest way to cash out, but expect 60–70% of guide prices. Best for selling common dates in bulk.
• Graded high-value coins do best at auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers, where realized prices are public.