Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel)
Country of Origin: United States of America
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 stalks on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Struck only in 1943, these 'steelies' were produced to conserve copper for ammunition and military equipment during World War II.
Estimated Value
$0.10 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $5 - $20+ in high uncirculated (MS) grades.
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning as it can strip the zinc coating and lead to 'rust' (oxidation). Store in a dry environment to prevent corrosion of the steel core.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; San Francisco produced 191,550,000 in 1943.
Weight & Diameter
2.70 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Good to Fine (VG-F) with visible scratches and surface darkening/oxidation.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1943' with 'S' mint mark.
Reverse (Back)
Two wheat stalks flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is at the top rim.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint state condition, exceptional luster, and absence of rust or scratches significantly increase value; re-processed (re-zinced) coins lose value.
Similar Coins
1943 Copper Cent (extremely rare and valuable error) and the 1944 Steel Cent (rare error). Aluminum cents were also prototyped but are not legal to own.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
A genuine 1943 steel cent will be magnetic. Counterfeiters sometimes plate copper cents with zinc or create fake 1943 copper cents.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1943-S/S Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) and the famous 1943 copper cent error.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:14:35.809443