
Steel pennies have some unique characteristics that can impact their value.
The 1943 steel penny is a highly sought-after error coin, with some varieties selling for thousands of dollars.
One of the most valuable steel pennies is the 1943 copper cent, which is extremely rare and can fetch up to $85,000 in mint condition.
The 1944 steel penny is also a valuable error coin, with prices ranging from $10 to $100 depending on its condition.
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Specifications and Features
The 1943 steel penny has some unique specifications and features that set it apart from other US coins.
It's the only magnetic US coin due to its steel core clad in zinc composition. The steel content also makes it 13 per cent lighter than copper cents, weighing in at 2.7 grams.
Here are some key specs to keep in mind:
Specifications
The Lincoln Wheat Cent has some impressive specifications. The year of issue for this coin is 1943, with a staggering mintage of 684,628,670.

Its composition is noteworthy, made from low-carbon steel coated with a thin layer of zinc, just 0.005 inches thick.
The coin's weight is 2.7 grams, which is relatively light, and its diameter is 19.0 mm.
The edge of the coin is plain, with no reeding or other features.
Here are the specifications of the Lincoln Wheat Cent:
Features of the
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Reverse of the

The reverse of the 1943 steel penny features two ears of wheat.
The denomination and country name is inscribed between them, making it a distinctive design element.
The design is the same as the earliest Lincoln cents, showcasing a classic and timeless aesthetic.
This design choice adds a touch of elegance to the penny, don't you think?
Other Features of
The 1943 steel penny is a unique coin with some standout features. It's the only magnetic US coin due to its steel core clad in zinc.
This coin is 13 per cent lighter than copper cents. It weighs 2.7 grams, compared to the 3.11 grams of the previous year's cents.
Its distinctive color is a silver shade, which is a result of its composition.
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Wheat
The 1943 steel penny, often referred to as a rare coin, is actually a one-year type that was produced in three different mints, including the San Francisco Mint, the Denver Mint, and the Philadelphia Mint.
A circulating 1943 steel wheat penny is worth a dime to $2, which is not a bad return considering its age.
Over 684 million pieces were struck at the Philadelphia Mint alone, which impacts the rarity and value of the steel penny.
In mint condition, an uncirculated steel penny is worth $30, but if it's from the San Francisco mint and in pristine condition, it can sell for as much as $7000.
Extremely rare copper pennies from the same year have sold for over $1 million, but it's worth noting that these are extremely rare and not the same as the steel pennies.
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Coin Production and Rarity
1944 steel pennies are much rarer than 1943 steel pennies. This is because the US went back to minting coins in copper in 1944, but some steel planchets left over from the previous year were accidentally used.
The error was caught before too many steel pennies were made, but it's still a relatively rare occurrence. In fact, the 1944 steel pennies were made before the mints switched to copper planchets.
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Here's a comparison of the rarity of 1943 and 1944 steel pennies:
The difference in rarity is due to the fact that the 1944 steel pennies were made before the mints switched to copper planchets. This makes the 1944 steel pennies a more valuable and sought-after coin.
Value and Pricing
A 1943 steel penny's value can range from $0.05 to $2 for an average, circulated coin. However, rare and high-grade coins can fetch much higher prices.
The value of a 1943 steel penny depends on its condition, with Gem Mint State versions selling for $30 each. Some coins can even be worth up to $7,000 if they're in pristine condition and originate from the San Francisco mint.
Here's a breakdown of the value of a 1943 steel penny based on its grade:
Keep in mind that the value of a 1943 steel penny can vary depending on its rarity and condition.
Finding Value
To find the value of a 1943 steel penny, start by checking its color, as counterfeiters may have recoated the coin to make it look new or change its color to copper.
A true steel penny will stick to a magnet due to its steel base plated with zinc. This is a good indication that the coin is genuine and can be worth between $0.05 and $2.
Mint errors, such as doubled die errors, can also increase the value of the coin. These errors occurred during minting and can be found on the obverse side of the steel penny.
The mintmark on the coin can also help determine its value, as only three mints produced the 1943 steel pennies: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The San Francisco mint produced slightly fewer steel pennies, making those coins more valuable.
Here's a breakdown of the values for each mintmark:
The condition of the coin is also a factor in determining its value, with fewer flaws leading to a higher worth on the market.
Buy/Sell

If you're looking to buy or sell a 1943 steel penny, you have several options. A circulated 1943 steel penny can be valued between $0.05 and $2.
You can buy and sell 1943 wheat pennies on online coin marketplaces like MA Shops and VCoins, both of which offer authenticity guarantees. MA Shops edges out VCoins in our ranking for screening and certifying their dealers.
To sell your 1943 steel penny online, you can create a seller profile on eBay and upload pictures and details about your coin. Set a reasonable price by checking the penny's value on NGC or PCGS.
Some popular websites for buying and selling coins include MA Shops, VCoins, and eBay. These websites can help you find serious buyers and sellers.
If you prefer to buy or sell in person, you can look for antique stores and estate sales that may carry rare coins. Compare their price to the prices on NGC or PCGS to verify they're giving you a fair deal.
Here are some popular websites for buying and selling 1943 steel pennies:
- MA Shops
- VCoins
- eBay
Note: Be sure to check the authenticity and value of your coin before buying or selling.
Sources
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