During the height of World War II, the U.S. Mint faced significant shortages of strategic metals, including copper, which was critically needed for ammunition and electrical components. In response, the Mint introduced a new composition for the Read More
During the height of World War II, the U.S. Mint faced significant shortages of strategic metals, including copper, which was critically needed for ammunition and electrical components. In response, the Mint introduced a new composition for the Lincoln Cent in 1943—struck from zinc-coated steel instead of the traditional bronze alloy. These emergency-issue coins, commonly known as "Steel Cents" or "Steelies," are a distinctive one-year type, marking a fascinating chapter in U.S. numismatic history.
The 1943 Steel Cent was produced in massive quantities across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, with over 1 billion coins struck in total. When freshly minted, these coins feature a bright, flashy, silver-like appearance, but without proper storage, the zinc coating is prone to oxidation, developing a dull, powdery surface that can flake away, exposing the dark steel core beneath.
Composition: Zinc-coated steel planchet (approx. 99% steel, 1% zinc).
Diameter: 19 mm (standard for the Lincoln Cent series).
Mintmarks: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S).
Historical Context: Issued as a wartime emergency measure to conserve copper for the Allied war effort.
While the majority of 1943 Lincoln Cents were properly struck on steel planchets, a small number of bronze planchets (leftover from 1942) were accidentally fed into the presses at all three mints. These 1943 Bronze Cents are among the most famous and valuable U.S. mint errors, with auction prices regularly reaching into the six-figure range depending on grade and certification. Their status as an iconic off-metal error makes them one of the ultimate prizes for advanced Lincoln Cent collectors.
✅ Unique Wartime History: A symbol of America's industrial adaptation during WWII.
✅ Affordable and Accessible: Common dates are widely available in high grades for new collectors.
✅ Popular with All Ages: A classic entry point into numismatics for younger collectors and history enthusiasts.
✅ Investment Potential in Top Grades: Brilliant Uncirculated and Gem-quality examples are increasingly sought after by registry set participants and investors alike.
Because Steel Cents are vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in humid environments, it is crucial to store high-grade examples in airtight holders or certified slabs (PCGS, NGC, CACG) to preserve their original luster and prevent zinc oxidation.
At Paradime Coins, we offer a selection of high-quality 1943 Steel Cents, including Brilliant Uncirculated examples and premium certified coins, perfect for type collectors, Lincoln Cent specialists, and those seeking a tangible piece of American wartime history. Explore our inventory today to secure your own example of this historic emergency issue.
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