1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent Corroded

Updated September 4, 2026

A 1943 Lincoln wheat cent on zinc-plated steel, Philadelphia issue, in a stapled 2x2 flip marked STeeL 1943. The date is clear and the space below it is in focus and empty, so there is no mint mark. The coin is dark brownish-gray to charcoal with the plating gone over most of the surface. Corrosion must be called out: a pale gray-white bloom sits on Lincoln's hair above and behind the ear, a second smaller one is on the jaw and chin, and another pale patch shows on the shoulder. The field is dark and slightly granular. The reverse is dark gray-brown and evenly toned, with ONE CENT and the wheat ears complete and reasonably sharp under light pale speckling. Detail is full, so the damage is corrosion rather than circulation wear. Worth teaching: the 1943 steel cent was a single-year wartime substitute, over one billion were struck, and they are among the most common United States coins in existence. A bright reprocessed or replated example is worth less than an honest original. 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.

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent Rusted
• 1906 Indian Head Cent
• 1943-D Lincoln Steel Cent Corroded
• 1888 Indian Head Cent Pitted
• 1943-D Lincoln Steel Cent Plating Intact
• 1943-D Lincoln Steel Penny
• Lincoln Wheat Cent Date Illegible Corroded
• 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent Steel

See all lots in September 13th Special Coin Auction →