Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel)
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 0.0005-inch zinc coating)
Brief Description
A grey-colored, magnetic cent featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln and two stalks of wheat.
Historical Significance
Due to the critical need for copper during World War II for shell casings and ammunition, the US Mint temporarily switched to zinc-plated steel for cents in 1943. This is the only regular-issue US coin that can be picked up with a magnet.
Estimated Value
$0.10 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00 in Mint State grades; higher for high-grade specimens or those with original zinc luster.
Care Instructions
Store in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent 'white rust' (zinc oxidation) or 'fingerprint corrosion'. Do not clean, as steel cents are highly susceptible to damage from environmental exposure once the zinc coating is breached.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco), located below the date.
Mintage & Rarity
Total 1943-S mintage: 191,550,000. Common series, though well-preserved examples with original luster are less common than circulated ones.
Weight & Diameter
2.70 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine. The images show significant wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks, along with oxidation/corrosion typical of a circulated steel cent.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'LIBERTY' to the left, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top curve, and the date '1943' with 'S' mint mark below.
Reverse (Back)
Two stalks of wheat flanking the text 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' along the top curve.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor. Original 'bright' zinc luster adds value. Check for the rare 1943 copper cent (extremely valuable) or the 1944 steel cent (also very rare).
Similar Coins
1944 steel cents (rare errors) and 1943 copper cents (extremely rare errors). Some late-war 1943 cents may appear similar to weathered silver dimes but are distinguished by size and magnetic properties.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
A genuine 1943 steel cent must be magnetic. If a 1943 cent is NOT magnetic, it might be a rare copper error or a plated counterfeit (check for copper beneath scratches).
Notable Varieties & Errors
1943-S/S Repunched Mint Mark; various die cracks and 'reprocessed' (re-plated) versions which are considered damaged by collectors.
Created At: 2026-06-10T23:52:05.485252