Whitman Expo
1943-D Steel One Cent MS Values
Details
The United States Mint replaced the bronze composition long used in making Lincoln cents with a zinc-coated steel format in 1943. This temporary change was made to help save copper for ammunitions used in fighting alongside the Allied Forces in World War II. The 1943-D steel cents are, like Philadelphia- and San Francisco-minted issues from the same year, very common coins in all circulated grades and in uncirculated levels through MS65. In MS 66, 1943-D Lincoln cents are scarce and in MS67 and MS68 are rare.
In all, more than 1 billion steel cents were struck, and they are commonly sold in sets of three, representing each of the three mints that struck the coins (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco). These sets are especially popular with non-collectors and new collectors, who regard the steel cents as novelties and are often lured into the hobby with the purchase of these inexpensive but attractive three-coin'sets.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portrait and the date and mintmark (If any) positioned on the right side.
Reverse: Wheat ears flanking the words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the top perimeter.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Denver
Mintage:
217,660,000
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1943
Composition:
Zinc-coated Steel
Mint Mark:
D
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Steel
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
2.7 gr
Weight:
0.095 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1943, D
Obverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
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