1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States · 1943

A silver-colored steel cent featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1943
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: Zinc-coated steel (99% steel, 1% zinc)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 17, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored steel cent featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

Due to copper being heavily rationed for ammunition during World War II, the United States Mint produced cents out of zinc-coated steel for the year 1943 only.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1943' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Inscriptions 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' framed by two wheat stalks, with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' across the top.

Estimated value

$0.50 to $3.00 in circulated condition, $10 to $50+ in uncirculated/Mint State condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of original mint luster, absence of rust or pitting, and rare mint errors such as double dies.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State based on visible details and surfaces inside the capsule.

Mintage & rarity

Common overall (over 1 billion total minted across all three mints), but high-grade uncirculated pieces command higher premiums.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

A genuine 1943 steel cent will strongly attract a magnet. Check the weight (steel cents weigh 2.7g compared to copper cents at 3.11g). Watch out for counterfeit zinc-plated copper coins.

Notable varieties & errors

Double die obverse (DDO) varieties, particularly famous for the 1943-S and 1943-D issues, as well as the extremely rare 1943 bronze/copper cent struck in error.