Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Cent)

United States · 1943

A silver-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1943
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Zinc-coated steel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 20, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

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.

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'.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.50 circulated; $1.00 - $20.00+ in high-grade uncirculated conditions.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade and eye appeal are primary; looking for lack of rust and original luster.

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine (shows significant wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks; some oxidation/surface darkening present).

Mintage & rarity

Common; 683,945,000 produced at the Philadelphia mint.

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.

Similar coins

1943-D and 1943-S steel cents; often confused with the extremely rare 1943 copper cent or silver dimes.

Care & preservation

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.

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