The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent Penny is a fascinating coin due to its unique composition. Here's some information about it:
Composition: Unlike most Lincoln Wheat Cents, which were made of bronze (95% copper and 5% tin and zinc), the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent Penny was made of zinc-coated steel.
This change in composition was due to the shortage of copper during World War II, as copper was needed for ammunition and other wartime materials.
Appearance: Because of its steel composition, the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent Penny has a distinctive silver-gray appearance. It can easily be distinguished from the copper Lincoln Wheat Cents of other years.
Mintage: The mintage of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent Penny was significant, with hundreds of millions of coins produced across all three mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark).
Collectibility: While the 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent is relatively common, it is still sought after by collectors due to its historical significance and unique composition.
Examples in uncirculated or mint condition, particularly those with strong strikes and luster, are more desirable to collectors and can command higher prices.
Varieties: There are a few minor varieties of the 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent, including differences in the placement of the mint mark or the strength of the strike. Some collectors may seek out these varieties to complete their collections.