1943-D Lincoln Steel Cent Corroded

Updated September 4, 2026

A 1943-D Lincoln wheat cent on zinc-plated steel, in a stapled 2x2 flip written 1943 with a D below it. The date and the D are legible in the close-up photographs. Condition is the story here. The coin is dark gray with a distinct greenish-gray cast, the plating is largely gone, and a heavy pale gray-white corrosion crust covers Lincoln's forehead, hair, ear and jaw and runs down onto the shoulder, with a small rust-brown fleck by the cheek. The field is dark and mottled. The reverse is dark gray with a green tint, a lighter corrosion patch through ONE CENT, and darker toning at the rim. Surfaces are porous and granular. Detail is full, so this is corrosion damage and not wear. For context, the Mint struck cents on steel only in 1943, when copper was reserved for the war, and more than one billion were made across the three mints. They are among the most common United States coins in existence, and corroded survivors like this one are the norm. Estimated Value: $0.25 to $1. Sold as-is. Photos are the most accurate description of this lot. Written descriptions are a guide only and may contain errors. Please review all photos before bidding.

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More lots in this auction

• 1943-D Lincoln Steel Cent Plating Intact
• 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent Rusted
• Lincoln Wheat Cent Date Illegible Corroded
• 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent Corroded
• 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent Rust Spot
• 1906 Indian Head Cent
• 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent No Mint Mark
• 1888 Indian Head Cent Pitted

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