The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the most intriguing error coins in U.S. history, created during the confusion of World War II. In that year, “the U.S. Mint switched from bronze to zinc-coated steel cents to save copper for the war effort,” making bronze coins officially obsolete.

During this change, “a few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly left in the minting machinery.” These blanks were struck with 1943 dies, producing bronze cents that were never meant to exist and immediately became anomalies.

When examples surfaced in 1947, “they immediately caught the public’s attention.” Many were stunned that such an error could happen “during a period of tight wartime control and precision,” and news of the coins spread quickly.

Among collectors, the coin is admired for its appearance and story. “Lincoln’s familiar portrait appears in bold relief,” and the warm bronze color clearly separates it from the common steel cents. Each piece is “an accidental survivor from a time when every ounce of copper was vital to the war effort.”

Today, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent remains legendary. “Only a few authentic examples are known today,” and they command extraordinary prices. More than eighty years later, it stands as proof that “even a simple mistake can become one of the most celebrated treasures in numismatic history.”