Obverse

Reverse

One Cent

Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Penny)

United States of America · 1943

A silver-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1943
Denomination: One Cent
Metal: Low carbon steel coated with 0.0005-inch zinc

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 3, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

Struck only in 1943 to conserve copper needed for ammunition and military hardware during World War II.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1943'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears flanking 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Estimated value

$0.10-$0.50 circulated; $1.00-$10.00 in high-grade Mint State condition.

What drives this coin's value

Rust/oxidation, original zinc luster vs. re-processed plating, and eye appeal. High-grade MS-67 specimens are rare.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU). Shows slight wear on the high points of Lincoln's cheek and hair, with some original luster remaining but visible surface spotting.

Mintage & rarity

684,628,670 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

A genuine 1943 cent should be magnetic. Beware of 're-processed' coins which have been stripped and replated to look new, which ruins numismatic value.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1943-D/D repunched mint mark is the most sought-after variety for this year.

Similar coins

1943-D and 1943-S Steel Cents (identified by mint marks 'D' or 'S' under the date). Often confused with the extremely rare 1943 Copper Cent or 1944 Steel Cent.

Care & preservation

Do not clean. Steel cents are highly prone to 'rust' or oxidation. Store in a dry environment using PVC-free flips or capsules.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Penny) in the encyclopedia