Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Penny)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1943
Denomination: One Cent
Composition: Low carbon steel coated with 0.0005-inch zinc
Brief Description
A silver-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Struck only in 1943 to conserve copper needed for ammunition and military hardware during World War II.
Estimated Value
$0.10-$0.50 circulated; $1.00-$10.00 in high-grade Mint State condition.
Care Instructions
Do not clean. Steel cents are highly prone to 'rust' or oxidation. Store in a dry environment using PVC-free flips or capsules.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
684,628,670 (Common)
Weight & Diameter
2.70 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
About Uncirculated (AU). Shows slight wear on the high points of Lincoln's cheek and hair, with some original luster remaining but visible surface spotting.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1943'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
Two wheat ears flanking 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Rust/oxidation, original zinc luster vs. re-processed plating, and eye appeal. High-grade MS-67 specimens are rare.
Similar Coins
1943-D and 1943-S Steel Cents (identified by mint marks 'D' or 'S' under the date). Often confused with the extremely rare 1943 Copper Cent or 1944 Steel Cent.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
A genuine 1943 cent should be magnetic. Beware of 're-processed' coins which have been stripped and replated to look new, which ruins numismatic value.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1943-D/D repunched mint mark is the most sought-after variety for this year.
Created At: 2026-05-03T22:32:51.143821