1943 Steel Cent (Lincoln Wheat Penny)

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1943

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: Zinc-coated steel (low carbon steel core with a thin plating of zinc)

1943 Steel Cent (Lincoln Wheat Penny)

Brief Description

The obverse features the profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1943'. It has a distinct silvery/grey metallic color rather than the typical copper color of other pennies.

Historical Significance

Due to the shortage of copper during World War II for ammunition and military equipment, the U.S. Mint produced one-cent coins out of zinc-plated steel for one year only. This is a unique wartime emergency issue.

Estimated Value

$0.10 to $0.50 for circulated examples; $1.00 to $20.00+ for uncirculated specimens depending on condition.

Care Instructions

Keep in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent the steel from rusting. Avoid cleaning or polishing, as this removes the original zinc coating and ruins numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or holder.

Created At: 2026-03-27T03:22:20.535504