The 1943 U.S. Steel Pennies

avatar
(Edited)

This post is a follow up to @dbooster's penny post! I did promise to show my complete set of steelies.

The 1943 U.S. Steel Penny is a fascinating piece of history! During World War II, copper was in high demand for military purposes, so the U.S. Mint produced pennies using zinc-coated steel instead. These coins, often called "steelies," have a unique silver-like appearance and are magnetic—unlike traditional copper pennies.

1943SteelPennies.JPG

Steel pennies were produced exclusively in 1943 during World War II. The U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel for pennies that year to conserve copper for military purposes. After 1943, the Mint returned to using copper alloys for pennies. These steel pennies remain a unique and collectible part of U.S. coinage history.

The steel pennies, while innovative, had their challenges. They were often mistaken for dimes due to their color, and their edges were prone to rust because the galvanization process didn't cover them completely. Despite these quirks, they remain a favorite among collectors for their historical significance.

Interestingly, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them incredibly rare and valuable. These copper versions can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

Steel pennies from 1943 are not particularly rare, as millions were produced during that year. However, their value depends on their condition and mint mark.

Common steel pennies: These are generally worth between 20 cents and $20.

High-grade steel pennies: Coins in excellent condition can fetch higher prices, ranging from $30 to $200.

Rare error coins: Some steel pennies with errors, such as doubled mint marks, can be worth several hundred dollars.

Copper 1943 pennies: These are extremely rare and valuable, with some selling for over $100,000 at auction.

If you have one, it might be worth checking its condition and mint mark to determine its value.

1943SteelPennies1.JPG

The obverse of the 1943 steel penny

The obverse of the 1943 steel penny features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, a design introduced in 1909 by the artist Victor David Brenner. Initially, Brenner's initials were displayed prominently on the reverse of the coin, but they were removed after facing criticism. In 1918, the initials were reinstated on the obverse, appearing on Lincoln's shoulder, where they remained in 1943.

The coin also carries the motto "In God We Trust" above Lincoln’s image. To the left is the word "Liberty," while the date is positioned on the right. If the coin has a mint mark, you’ll find it located below the date.

1943SteelPennies2.JPG

The reverse of the 1943 steel penny

The back of the 1943 steel penny features the same iconic design as the original Lincoln cents: two ears of wheat framing the inscription of the denomination and the country’s name. At the top is the Latin phrase E pluribus unum, meaning “From the many, one,” symbolizing the union of individual states to form the nation. The reverse, like the obverse, was crafted by the talented Victor David Brenner.

Here is a YouTube video about steel pennies.



Reference
https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1943-steel-penny-worth/
https://www.coinstudy.com/1943-penny-value.html
https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1943-penny-value/
https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/1943-steel-penny-value



😍#ilikeitalot!😍

Gold and Silver Stacking is not for everyone.
Do your own research!

If you want to learn more, we are here at the Silver Gold Stackers Community. Come join us!

Thank you for stopping by to view this article.

I hope to see you again soon!

Hugs and Kisses 🥰🌺🤙!!!!





I post an article daily. I feature precious metals every other day, and on other days I post articles of general interest. Follow me on my journey to save in silver and gold.

@silversaver888

.
ladiesofhive silvergoldstackers appreciator leofinance proofofbrain mycalifornia teamusa brofi neoxian silver
0
0
0.000
48 comments
avatar

View or trade LOH tokens.





@silversaver888, You have received 1.0000 LOH for posting to Ladies of Hive.
We believe that you should be rewarded for the time and effort spent in creating articles. The goal is to encourage token holders to accumulate and hodl LOH tokens over a long period of time.
0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Ms. Saver @silversaver888

I am so Fortunate to be FIRST !

!LUV
!LADY
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

So fortunate!!! !LOL
!LUV
!LADY
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

You received an upvote of 91% from Precious the Silver Mermaid!

Thank you for contributing more great content to the #SilverGoldStackers tag.
You have created a Precious Gem!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

A very interesting time in U.S. Coinage History @silversaver888!😊
My Dad collected jars of these, unfortunately, most were well circulated….🙄
Still a very unique edition to collecting!😊

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

It really is such a fascinating chapter in U.S. coinage history! 😊 The stories behind these coins and the context in which they were minted make them so special, even if they’ve seen a lot of circulation. Your dad’s jars of these coins must hold so much character—well-loved pieces that have traveled through countless hands and moments in time. That in itself adds a unique charm to them, @ilvertop!
Even if they’re not pristine, they’re a great way to preserve a little piece of history! 🙌
!BBH
!LADY
!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Is awesome how we can see the history through other point of views and at the same time it's very important but a small. jjjj

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That’s such a beautiful way to think about it, @brunettedev! History really comes alive when we look at it from different angles, through the stories of objects, coins, or even small, everyday items. These seemingly small pieces carry such significance—they're like puzzle pieces that complete the bigger picture of our past. It’s a reminder of how even the tiniest details can leave a lasting impact. 😊
!BBH
!LADY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I had or might still have a graded 1943 steel cent. I’ve gone through quite a few boxes of stuff over the last several years but haven’t come across it yet. Nice set

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I’ve got a few of these. Nothing worth grading as tough condition but I might go into storage and get em out for a video. !PIMP

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That sounds like a great idea, @geneeverett! Even if they’re not in perfect condition, those pennies could still have an interesting story to tell, especially if there’s unique history or memories tied to them. Making a video to showcase them adds a personal touch and might even spark conversations with others who share your interest. Plus, it’s always fun to rediscover pieces from your stack. Let me know if you decide to dig them out—sounds like it’ll make for a really cool project! 👍
!BBH
!LADY
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Steel pennies are !INDEED unique to me just because of what they are made of. I was unaware that they actually did mint some 1943 pennies in copper. Wouldn't it be awesome to find one of those?

Thanks for sharing sis! !LUV ya much!🤗💜🌹😘😍 !LADY !PIMP

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Steel pennies really do have a fascinating story, don’t they? Those 1943 copper pennies are the ultimate treasures—they’re like the holy grail of American coin collecting! They’re so rare because they were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942 instead of the steel ones used during the war effort. Imagine stumbling upon one of those—it would feel like finding buried treasure.

I’m glad I could share something that piqued your interest, sis.
Much !LUV always, sis 🤗😘😍
!BBH
!LADY
!LOL

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

🤗💜🌹🤗💜🌹 !INDEED !HOPE

It would be awesome to find one for sure! Hugs and kisses sis!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Congratulations @silversaver888! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)

You got more than 98000 replies.
Your next target is to reach 98500 replies.

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Wow 1943 U.S steel penny was so valuable with it's worth yes even in my country as I growing up my grandma keept telling us oh when things were good they go to market with penny and they bought many things with a penny

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

It’s incredible how a single penny could hold so much value and sentiment, isn’t it, @ebonymama? Your grandma’s stories must have been like stepping into a time capsule, reminding you of simpler times when a penny could stretch a long way. It’s amazing how coins like the 1943 steel penny aren’t just currency—they’re little pieces of history, carrying the echoes of an era.
!BBH
!LADY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Oh exactly my sister she will always refer back when things where good they use one penny to buy many things

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I love my steel pennies that I own!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That’s fantastic, @mrchef111 ! Owning steel pennies is like holding a piece of history right in your hands. Each one carries the story of a time when the world was united in a massive effort, even to the extent of changing what pennies were made of. It’s amazing how something so small can have so much significance.
!BBH
!LADY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yes!! For a while I was only collecting American coins, I have some 3-cent pieces too, which are awesome from the mid 1800s. I also go into some ancient coins and have a few from ancient Rome around 100 to 200 AD.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Wow, Abraham Lincoln on a coin looks awesome.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Absolutely, @revolverocelotyt ! Abraham Lincoln's image on the penny is both iconic and meaningful. He was the first U.S. president to appear on a coin, and it’s a fitting tribute to his legacy. Seeing his profile etched on those pennies is like carrying a little piece of American history in your pocket.

Do you know that the Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth? It replaced the Indian Head penny, and it’s been a classic ever since.

!BBH
!LADY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

You have some nice ones there @silversaver888 ! Pennies were the first coins I collected as a kid, because they were cheap. It took me years to get high grade steel pennies, you have a really nice set. I always dreamed of coming across a copper 1943, that would have been exciting! I have found some cool errors over the years like the 72 and 95 double dies. It's kind of a shame the pennies are going away from a collectors standpoint, but they really have been relics of the past for years and needed to go!
!BBH
!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Starting with pennies is such a relatable and accessible way to dive into the world of numismatics, especially for a young collector. High-grade steel pennies must have felt like a real accomplishment after years of hunting. They truly shine with their unique history.
Finding error coins like the 1972 and 1995 double dies is such a thrill—those quirky mistakes are like hidden Easter eggs for collectors! It’s bittersweet to see the penny fading away; while it makes sense practically, it’s hard to let go of something with so much historical and sentimental value. Coins like those become more than just currency—they’re little time capsules, @thebighigg.
!BBH
!LADY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Very cool set there. I would love to get some of these in good condition, but it's just a little too pricy. If I'm paying that much, might as well stack silver or gold instead, eh? That said, these steel pennies are really cool to have.

!PIMP

0
0
0.000
Reply