Value of a 1943 Steel Penny They are worth about 10 to 13 cents each in circulated condition, and as much as 50 cents or more if uncirculated.
Because they are quite common, a 1943 penny in circulated condition is not worth much. According to USA Coin Book, a steel penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between 16 cents and 53 cents. However, Heritage Auctions sells 1943 steel pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition for more than $1,000.
Are zinc coated pennies worth anything?
If the penny has a silver color, it is made out of steel with a zinc coating to make it look nicer and protect it from rusting. They are fairly common in nice condition since people tended to save them when they were first issued because they were unusual. A regular 1943 steel penny is worth only a few cents.
Where can I find a 1943 steel penny?
The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.
What was the composition of the 1943 Penny?
Composition: 99% steel with a thin zinc coating Total Weight: 2.70 grams The US minted the 1943 steel penny with no mint mark and also the 1943 D steel penny and 1943 S steel penny. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date.
Why are the planchets of the 1943 Penny rusting?
As the zinc coating wore off the steel core the exposed steel underneath began to rust. The manufacturing process for producing the planchets was also flawed. Mint workers first rolled a sheet of steel to the proper thickness. Next, the steel sheet was plated with zinc and passed through a blanking press.
What was the silver penny made of in World War 2?
The 1943 silver colored penny is a wartime coin issue made of steel and coated with zinc. During World War II, the war effort required a lot of copper to make shell casings and munitions.
What makes a 1943 US cent coin rust?
Zinc, the protective coating, when worn, exposed underlying steel. Additionally, zinc develops an oxide forming a white powder coating to the metal. Normal humidity in the air presented a challenge to preserve a 1943 cent. Evidence of both rust and oxidation are visible on the example coins.
