Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel)

United States of America · 1943

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

Country: United States of America
Year: 1943
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Zinc-coated Steel
Grade: Very Good to Fine (VG-F) with visible scratches and surface darkening/oxidation.

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.

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Overview

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.

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.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $5 - $20+ in high uncirculated (MS) grades.

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.

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine (VG-F) with visible scratches and surface darkening/oxidation.

Mintage & rarity

Common; San Francisco produced 191,550,000 in 1943.

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.

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.

Care & preservation

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.

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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) in the encyclopedia