1943 Steel Penny Coin Value

Tyler Grant

About the Author

Tyler grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, not far from the site of one of the first U.S. mints. His interest in numismatics began by chance when he found an old coin album that belonged to his late grandmother.

He began to study the history of each coin, the minting features, and the composition of the metal. His engineering education helped him in the analysis – Tyler developed his own methods for determining the authenticity of coins and detecting defects that were invisible at first glance. He wants to help people understand the true value of the steel penny 1943 value.

What is the 1943 Steel Penny?

1943 was the year when Lincoln’s familiar copper cent was transformed, becoming a silver-gray reminder of the hardships of wartime.

This was due to the fact that copper was vital for the military industry, for the production of ammunition and equipment. In the face of severe shortages, the US government decided to replace copper in one-cent coins with steel. That’s how the 1943 Steel Penny was born.

  • Made of a steel plate coated with zinc to protect against corrosion, it had precise technical specifications. 
  • The design remained the same – the familiar profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the image of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

There are three main varieties of the 1943 Steel Penny, differing in the mint where they were minted.

  • Philadelphia: The most common option.
  • Denver: Coins minted in Denver are marked with the letter “D” under the year on the obverse.
  • San Francisco: Coins minted in San Francisco are marked with the letter “S” under the year on the obverse.

Interest in this coin continues today. Many numismatists are wondering: what is the 1943 steel penny value? The value of these coins varies depending on the condition and rarity, but even copies in good condition are not of great value.

  • However, it is important to know that the high popularity of the 1943 Steel Penny gave rise to a wave of counterfeits. Copper cents are often coated with zinc to pass them off as rare steel.

Therefore, in order not to become a victim of deception and not to buy a fake 1943 steel penny, carefully study the coin, paying attention to the weight, color and other characteristics.

the picture of three coins: from Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco

1943 Steel Penny List

NameCirculation volumeConditionAccessibility 
Steel Penny No Mint MarkHigh (684,628,670)Average Easy
1943-D Steel PennyHigh (217,660,000)VariesEasy
1943-S Steel PennyHigh (191,550,000)Low-MidEasy
1943 Steel Penny UncirculatedLow-MidExcellentMore Difficult 
1943 Steel Wheat PennyVery LowAverageExtremely Difficult 
1943 steel penny error listVariesAbove midRare to Common
Fake 1943 steel pennyImpossible calculation VariesCommon 

How Do I Know if My 1943 Steel Penny Is Rare

Factors affecting the price

  • Coins in excellent, uncirculated condition are valued much higher than worn-out copies.

Scratches, scuffs, traces of corrosion – all this reduces the cost. Assessing a condition requires experience, but even basic knowledge will help you navigate.

  • As we have already mentioned, the 1943 steel pennies were minted in Philadelphia (without the mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). Although they are all quite common, the presence of the mint mark can have a slight effect on the value, especially in excellent condition.
  • Errors sometimes occurred during the minting process. If you are lucky enough to find a coin with a rare error, it can significantly increase its value.

Distortions, double stamp strokes, and other anomalies can all make your coin unique and valuable.

The numismatist's office. A man is sitting at a table. He has a magnifying glass and other magnifying tools in his hands. He examines the coin carefully

Additional points

How much is a 1943 steel wheat penny worth

A Lincoln copper cent that was supposed to be minted from copper. The value of such a coin can be very high, as it is rare.

1943-D steel penny value

The cost of a steel penny minted in Denver will be higher than that of copies in worse condition.

What is a 1943 steel penny worth

This is a general question, the answer to which depends on all of the above factors. In circulating condition, most 1943 steel pennies are inexpensive, but coins in excellent condition or with rare errors can be worth much more.

1943 steel wheat penny worth a million dollars

Hypothetically, yes. If a unique instance is found in perfect condition and with the rarest error, the cost can be very high. But, the probability of this is extremely low.

  • 1943 penny value steel today is subject to change.
    • If you have a 1943 steel wheat penny, then you should understand that the 1943 wheat penny value of steel can be quite high depending on the condition. 
    • Ultimately, the exact 1943 steel penny value today depends on many factors, so careful study and expert evaluation are your best helpers.

Recommendations for the Care and Storage of 1943 Steel Pennies

Proper care and storage is the key to preserving the value of your collection.

  • Do not touch the coins with your bare hands. Sebum and sweat can damage the metal surface. Use cotton gloves or hold the coin by the edges.
  • Cleaning can damage the surface and reduce the cost. If the coin is heavily soiled, contact a professional numismatist for advice.
  • Store the coins in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
  • Purchase albums or capsules designed to store coins. They are made of materials that do not contain acids and other harmful substances.
  • Check the status of your coins periodically. If you notice signs of corrosion or other problems, take measures to eliminate them (again, it is better to contact a specialist).
  • Store each copy in separate capsules or bags so that they do not scratch against each other.
  • Store the coins in a place with low humidity to prevent corrosion and tarnishing.

Top 6 1943 Steel Penny

the picture  of 1943 Steel Penny From Philadelphia
the picture of 1943-D Steel Penny From Denver. It has "D" on the obverse.
the picture of 1943-S Steel Penny from San Francisco. It has "S' on the obverse
the picture of 1943 Steel Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark)
the picture of 1943 Steel Penny with error off center.
the picture of fake 1943 Steel Penny. It shines like it's made of silver