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5 Fun Facts About 1943 Steel Pennies

by Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

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1943 steel pennies are among the most popular Lincoln cents of all time.

Why? One reason may be that they look so different from all the copper Lincoln pennies made over the decades.

1943 pennies were made because the United States was, at the time, engaged in World War II. Copper was being rationed to make artillery.

Here are 5 Fun Facts about 1943 steel pennies:

  • More than 1 billion 1943 steel pennies were made — so they aren’t rare.
  • 1943 steel pennies weigh 2.70 grams — lighter than traditional copper Lincoln pennies that weigh 3.11 grams. (Here’s everything you need to know about coin scales.)
  • 1943 steel pennies stick to a magnet.
  • There is a coating of zinc on each steel penny.
  • Most 1943 steel pennies are worth 25 cents to 75 cents each. Well-worn or rusted steel pennies are worth less. Uncirculated specimens are worth more.
PUBLISHED February 4, 2010
UPDATED August 29, 2026

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Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

Numismatic Specialist

Hi, I’m Josh! I’m the Editor here at the US Coins Guide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century.

I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG). I have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek.

I’ve authored over 1,000 articles here at the US Coins Guide (many with over 50K shares).

I welcome your coin questions!

34 responses to “5 Fun Facts About 1943 Steel Pennies”

  1. Bob Brydon Avatar
    Bob Brydon

    I have a collector coin set (encased) of 1943 steel cents (Wartime Emergency Issue). How can I find out their current value and where can I sell them?

    Reply
    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Hi, Bob —

      1943 steel cents with any signs of wear are worth less than $1 each, but if you were interested in still selling them, you would want to go to a coin dealer.

      If you don’t live near a coin dealer, you might try selling the on eBay.

      Reply
  2. Mylarb Avatar
    Mylarb

    thanks!!!! my dad lied to me!!!!

    Reply
  3. Crabdigger Avatar
    Crabdigger

    i have a1941 penny that looks like this 194/1 the straght one lighter than the sideways one i don’t know if it is a era coin can you help my e mail addess  crabdigger@gmail.com if you could help thank you.

    Reply
  4. Raphi_nlproductions Avatar
    Raphi_nlproductions

    Have a 1943 steel penny, But it does not have the 3 on the end? It’s 194*. what’s the value?

    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
      JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      Raphi,

      Sounds like your coin was either weakly struck or was struck by a filled die. In either case, the value is usually nominal, around $1 in most circumstances.

      Reply
  5. Lonelyangel1985 Avatar
    Lonelyangel1985

    I have a 1848 penny..i found it at my mom’s when i as about 14years old and i still have it..what is the value of this penny..its in fair condtion..atleast you can read whats on it..

    Reply
  6. Ryan Martinez Avatar
    Ryan Martinez

    I have a steel penny (with some rust). But what I love most about it, is that I had no idea they existed until I got mine. Although I would not dare call myself a coin collector, I do love coins. And this is what I like most: learning something new. I still remember the thrill I got when I found an old Benjamin Franklin half dollar in an antique store … I had no idea they existed up until that moment. Needless to say, I bought it.

    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
      JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      HI, Ryan —

      It’s wonderful that you enjoy and respect coins so much!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply
  7. Laura Manis Avatar
    Laura Manis

    I found a 1976 D penny. My Mother had it. On the back is the memorial. And on the front is Lincoln’s head. On the left side of the head is the Liberty Bell. And on the right of the head is an outline of the United States. And in the center of the outline it’s stamped USA. is this a counterfeit?

    Reply
    1. Hammond Ecks Avatar
      Hammond Ecks

      It’s a genuine cent that was counterstamped by a private company and sold as a novelty item. The 1976 date and Liberty Bell make it almost a dead-cert the coin was sold (or maybe given away) as a Bicentennial goodie.

      Reply
    2. Laura Manis Avatar
      Laura Manis

      Thank you for the information. I will keep it in my coin collection. With your notes

      Reply
      1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
        JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
  8. Jon Zern Avatar
    Jon Zern

    I have a 1943 BRONZE steel Penny. I can’t seem to get any information on it, value, etc.?

    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
      JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      Hi, Jon —

      Please post a photo of your coin so I can provide some detailed information on your specific piece. Authentic bronze 1943 cents are worth around $100,000! Here’s some more info: https://uscoinsguide.com/1943_lincoln_cent/

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply
      1. Jon Zern Avatar
        Jon Zern

        Josh. I have taken pictures, front and back of this Bronze 1943 steel penny. Attempting to send pic to you

        Reply
        1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
          JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

          Great, Jon! You can simply upload them right here in the comments forum. Looking forward to seeing the photos!

          Best,
          Josh

          Reply
      2. Jon Zern Avatar
        Jon Zern

        Josh, did you receive, I will attempt to get the other side of the penny and get to yoy

        Reply
      3. Jon Zern Avatar
        Jon Zern

        Josh::did you get the pictures of the Bronze 1943 steel penny? Let me know. Thanks. Jon

        Reply
  9. Jon Zern Avatar
    Jon Zern

    Josh” Will attempt to send better pictures, front and back, I have some great shots

    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
      JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      Hi, Jon —

      I tried zooming in to look at a few diagnostics but unfortunately the image is a bit blurry. Any other clearer shots you may be able to upload I’d definitely appreciate!

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply
      1. Jon Zern Avatar
        Jon Zern

        Josh I got better shots will send tomorrow. Do you have an email address I can send them to? Jon Zern

        Reply
    2. Jon Zern Avatar
      Jon Zern

      Josh, did you receive the good shots of those bronze 1943 steel pennies?

      Reply
      1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
        JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

        Hi, Jon —

        I’m looking… All I see is the one that was uploaded about four days ago. If you don’t mind reloading on this thread, and I’ll check again.

        Thanks!
        Josh

        Reply
        1. Jon Zern Avatar
          Jon Zern

          1943 Bronze Steel Penny,

          Reply
        2. Jon Zern Avatar
          Jon Zern

          I am still attempting to get my 1943 Bronze Steel Wheat Penny authenticated. Would appreciate any assistance. I had my computer crash several days ago, operating off a new iMac,

          Reply
        3. Jon Zern Avatar
          Jon Zern

          Again need assistance in getting my 1943 bronze steel wheat penny authenticated. Open to suggestions

          Reply
          1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
            JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

            Hi, Joe —

            If your 1943 cent seems to pass all outward diagnostics (it appears bronze, weighs 3.11 grams, AND the tail of the “3” in the date is long — exactly as it appears on 1943 steel cents), then it may be worth submitting to a third-party coin grading firm. By the way, all three conditions mentioned above (not any, but all) will have to be met for this coin to even begin looking like a candidate for a real 1943 bronze cent. If yours indeed passes snuff on all three, you may be a very lucky person indeed, but will still need to do some more testing.

            Here’s more info on third-party coin graders along with more details on each of the major companies: https://uscoinsguide.com/slabbed_coins/

            By the way, if you’re looking to sell this 1943 cent and it does check out as bronze, I can almost guarantee you that the only way it will be purchases is if it is in a holder by one of the major coin certification companies. An off-brand just will not do in this case. If your coin is indeed authentic, it would likely sell for $100,000 or even more. The buyer will likely want to see it a certified holder by either PCGS or NGC. ANACS, SEGS, or ICG are also reputable companies. For the record, I have no stake in any of those companies — I just assure you that a coin of the 1943 bronze caliber will require a highly recognizable and vetted coin certification firm to grade it if you want a chance of selling it for its maximum possible price.

            Wishing you the best,
            Josh

          2. Jon Zern Avatar
            Jon Zern

            I gave up in attempting to obtain any more information on the 1943 Bronze steel penny.
            Most coin dealers, in their professional opinion, stated it was a zinc penny copper plated.
            For a few days I thought I was about to become rich.
            Some things are not to be, darn it.

          3. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
            JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

            Jon,

            I’m sorry to hear this. Did the dealers test the coin’s weight to ensure that it was 2.8 grams (steel) and not 3.1 grams (copper)?

            At any rate, don’t let this event get you down about the hobby. There are still many treasures to be found in circulation, underground, and maybe even in your attic or basement!

            Happy collecting,
            Josh

          4. Jon Zern Avatar
            Jon Zern

            Josh: I never had it tested, as all dealers I spoke with were telling me it would be wasted time.

          5. Jon Zern Avatar
            Jon Zern

            I’m not overly concerned about it, Maybe one day I will have it tested. Thanks for the response
            Jon

  10. Jon Zern Avatar
    Jon Zern

    Josh: Thank you so much for the information. Noe I have a place to start.
    I will let you know of the outcome.
    It would be nice to get lucky.

    Jon

    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide Avatar
      JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      I hope this helps, Jon! Looking forward to hearing more about this!

      Reply

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