The 1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent is an exciting and unique coin in American history. This coin was made during World War II. Its special circumstances of manufacture, exceptional composition, and mistakes made in it have made it extremely popular among coin collectors.
In this article we will explain the 1943 steel cent; some of the main errors and the usual signs that you are being scammed with a fake cent.
History of the 1943 steel Lincoln wheat cent
Copper was used to make war-related items like bullets and and shooting implements during the Second World War. Because of the skyrocketing popularity of copper, the US Mint introduced a significant shift in 1943. They also agreed to produce a cent—penny zinc-coated steel instead of copper.
These coins were given the nickname“1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent.”. It was dug up with lightweight, and it was not like the copper color that was normally used on typical coins.
All the same, the shortage of copper was met by the manufacturing of the steel cent, but it came hand in hand with a myriad of challenges. For instance, the coins that rusted when the zinc layer disintegrated were the same color as the dimes (10 cents).
These coins were only made in 1943 and in 1944; when copper got back into circulation,, steel cents were no longer being manufactured.
Two Major Mistakes: 1943 Copper Cents and 1944 Steel Cents
Two major mistakes were made during the production of the 1943 steel cents:
1. The 1943 Copper Cent Mistake
A number of 1943 steel Lincoln Wheat cents were struck accidentally on 1942 copper blanks (discs of metal). He pointed out out that such coins are very scarce and they attract high prices.
Genuine 1943 copper cents are not magnetic, because copper is not magnetic, while steel is. You can use a magnet to check this.
2. 1944 Steel Cent Mistake
After the planchets of copper had been outset in 1944, some of the old steel planchets of 1943 were mixed with them by mistake,, and coins of 1944 were minted on these; these are called the 1944 Steel Cent Mistake. Similarly, some of these coins are as rare as the 1943 copper cents.
Ways to Avoid Counterfeit Coins
On this account, 1943 copper cents and 1944 steel cents are highly valuable, and thus, counterfeiting thrives. To avoid counterfeit coins, follow these methods:
Magnet Test
Genuine 1943 copper cents are not magnetic, while steel cents stick to magnets. This is a simple test that helps identify counterfeit coins.
Weight Check
Actual 1943 copper cents are heavy,, about 3.11 grams,, and steel cents are heavy,, about 2.7 grams. These may be easily determined through using a balance scale in order to determine their weight.
Visual Inspection
Look at the coin carefully. Genuine 1943 copper cents are very clean and clear, while counterfeit coins often have uneven layers or signs of wear.
Collecting the 1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent
The Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent,, which was issued in 1943, is a special coin of America. It was issued for only one year, but due to its historical background and this specific design, people seek it very much today.
Collectors should be wary of counterfeit coins and always buy coins from authentic sellers who offer authentication services.
Whether you are looking for the common steel version or the rare 1943 Copper Mistake Coin, this coin is a historic link to the war years.
Conclusion
The 1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent is a classic coin that is an interesting part of American history. Its rare mistakes, methods for checking authenticity, and history are important to know. Demand for this coin for collections is always high.
FAQ
Why is the 1943 copper mistake cent so important?
Due to its production on a 1942 copper planchet, the 1943 copper cent is considered to be very rare. These make it exceptional and rare, thus it is highly valued, especially by collectors.
What will distinguish a 1943 steel cent counterfeit?
Use a magnet. That is, if it is the original 1943 steel cents, it will attract a magnet, while the 1943 copper cents will not be affected by a magnet.
Why did the U.S. Mint produce pennies of steel in 1943?
However, in 1943, copper was used for war products and was therefore scarce. The zinc-coated steel cent was only a panic measure to address the shortage of copper in the production of cents.
