1943 Steel Penny Value
1943 · 1¢ · zinc-coated steel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.10 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $8.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $24.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $120.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | Copper error — a few cents struck on bronze planchets by mistake | $100,000–$250,000 |
| 1943-D | Denver mint copper error, extremely rare | $100,000–$200,000 |
| 1943-S | San Francisco issue, lower mintage of 191 million | $0.25–$10 |
| 1943 | Reprocessed or chrome-plated examples have no premium | $0.05–$0.25 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Victor D. Brenner
- Years
- 1943
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- zinc-coated steel
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Weight
- 2.7 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
1943 Steel Penny: History & Background
The 1943 Steel Penny was produced as a wartime measure when copper was needed for ammunition shell casings during World War II. Over 1 billion zinc-coated steel cents were struck across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints that year. The coins were unpopular with the public because they were easily confused with dimes and prone to rust, so the Mint returned to a copper-alloy composition in 1944 using recycled brass shell casings. A small number of 1943 cents were accidentally struck on copper planchets, making the 1943 copper penny one of the most famous and valuable U.S. error coins, with examples selling for over $100,000.
How to Grade a 1943 Steel Penny
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →