1943 Steel Cents

Copper metal is a valuable wartime commodity. Something new was needed for the cent in 1943. A strange composition the United States Mint would reveal. Lincoln’s profile appeared on a coin made of steel. It was plated with zinc to reduce oxidation. They were struck at all three mints in the nation. The three cities were ones that most people would know. They were Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Here is an interesting little trivia tidbit: This coin is the only one that can be drawn to a magnet. However, zinc-coated cents were made for just one year. Afterward, familiar bronze cents would reappear. The mint made a move two years before that was similar. They replaced the nickel in five-cent pieces with silver. A large “P”, “D”, or “S”, appeared above Monticello. This indicated a silver five-cent piece so you would know. The following year, production of steel cents would cease. The mint used the metal to make the Belgian two-franc piece. Therefore, this is what the United States Mint did for the war. After 1945, we did not have to worry about it anymore.