1943 Lincoln, Steel - More Details
During the early years of World War II, copper was in short supply. In 1942 the Mint sought to replace copper in our coinage, and the Durez Chemical Company, North Tonawanda, New York, was commissioned to find substitutes. Experiments ensued, and medalets the approximate size of a cent were struck in such diverse materials as fiber, white metal, plastic, and zinc-coated steel. The last format was adopted, and the following year, 1943, saw the production of Lincoln cents in zinc-coated steel at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco mints.
Examples of the 1943 Lincoln cent are readily available in all grades from Very Fine through superb Uncirculated, although worn grades tend to be a bit "scruffy" in appearance.
Valuation
While zinc-coated steel became the material of choice for 1943, apparently a few coins were struck with the traditional copper alloy. If you find one of these, you will have found one of the most prized collectible coins in the world.
