Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Cent)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1943
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Zinc-coated steel
Brief Description
A silver-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Struck in steel during 1943 to conserve copper for the WWII war effort (specifically for shell casings and communications wire). It is the only regular-issue US coin that can be picked up with a magnet.
Estimated Value
$0.10 - $0.50 circulated; $1.00 - $20.00+ in high-grade uncirculated conditions.
Care Instructions
Keep in a low-humidity environment to prevent 'zinc rot' or rust. Do not clean or scrub, as the thin zinc coating is easily damaged.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; 683,945,000 produced at the Philadelphia mint.
Weight & Diameter
2.70 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Good to Fine (shows significant wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks; some oxidation/surface darkening present).
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1943'.
Reverse (Back)
An inscription of the denomination 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' flanked by two stalks of wheat. Legend: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/grade and eye appeal are primary; looking for lack of rust and original luster.
Similar Coins
1943-D and 1943-S steel cents; often confused with the extremely rare 1943 copper cent or silver dimes.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
A genuine 1943 steel cent must be strongly attracted to a magnet. Beware of re-processed (re-zinced) coins that look unnaturally shiny.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1943 'Bugs Bunny' die clash or doubled dies, though rare for this year.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:16:49.959136