1943-D United States Lincoln Steel Cent
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Denver Branch)
Pattern: Lincoln Wheat Cent Series (1909-1958), Steel Composition Variant (1943 only)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Denver Branch)
Material
Low-carbon steel coated with a 0.00025-inch layer of zinc; contains no silver or nickel despite its 'silver' appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm; Weight: 2.70 grams (lighter than the standard 3.11g copper cent).
Description
A notable wartime emergency issue, the 1943-D Steel Cent was produced to conserve copper for ammunition and shell casings during WWII. It features the classic Victor David Brenner design of Lincoln but stands out for its unique 'silver-colored' zinc layer. This specific piece is preserved in a modern collector's holder.
Key Features
Magnetic properties (crucial for authentication), steel-grey color, 1943 date, and Denver 'D' mint mark.
Material & Composition
Low-carbon steel coated with a 0.00025-inch layer of zinc; contains no silver or nickel despite its 'silver' appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Bust of Abraham Lincoln (obverse) and two ears of durum wheat (reverse - assumed); original zinc plating provides a bright, bluish-grey metallic luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small 'D' mint mark below the date 1943, indicating production at the Denver Mint.
Construction Details
Die-struck on zinc-plated steel planchets (slugs) using high-pressure coinage presses.
Functional Features
Maintains a magnetic quality due to the steel core, unlike all other standard U.S. pennies.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item; currently housed in a plastic protective slab/case).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced circulating coinage; die-struck quality is usually high but prone to early corrosion due to the moisture-sensitive zinc-on-steel industrial process.
Authentication Indicators
Attraction to a magnet is the primary test. Re-plated 'shiny' coins are common but are considered damaged; original mint luster has a specific satiny texture.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Denver Mint. Created as a wartime emergency measure.
Era & Period
World War II Era (1941-1945); struck during a period of strategic metal conservation.
Age Estimate
Struck in 1943.
Cultural Significance
A tangible artifact of the U.S. home front during WWII, representing the national effort to divert all industrial resources toward the military.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine; showing signs of circulation wear. The zinc plating appears somewhat dulled or oxidized, which is common for 're-processed' or circulated steel cents. Surface shows typical minor abrasions.
Value Estimate
Circulated: $0.10 - $0.50 USD; Uncirculated/High Grade: $5.00 - $20.00+ USD. The 'D' mint mark is very common.
Care & Maintenance
Keep in an airtight container or slab to prevent 'rusting' or zinc pest. Do not clean or polish, as this removes the thin zinc layer and exposes the steel to corrosion.
Similar Pieces
1943 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (S) steel cents. The extremely rare 1943 Copper Cent is the most famous 'error' counterpart.
Interesting Facts
Known as 'Steelies' or 'Silver Pennies,' they were often confused with dimes in 1943. Because they were magnetic, they caused significant issues with vending machines of the era.