Genuine United States Mint: 1943 Steel  Lincoln Cent  (50522)

During the critial war year of 1943, America’s dwindling supply of Copper was diverted from the production of Lincoln Cents to the manufacture of shell cases and other weapons. The TreasureyDepartment resorted to the use of zinc-coated steel for the coins. Hailing the Steel Cents long life expectancy, thesuperintendent of the Denver Mint predicted, “Steel pennies will probaby be in circulation the next 100 years”. But the public had other ideas. The coin was often mistaken for a dime, and may people refused to accept it in change. The following year Cents were made from salvaged brass from expended cartridge cases. In 1945 the Mint began withdrawing  Steel Cents from circulation. Millions were melted or dumped in the ocean and they are rarely seen in circulation today.

Specifications:
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Years Issued: 1943
Where Minted:  Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco
Diameter: 19mm; Weight: .70gms;
Composition: Steel Coated with Zinc
Rarest Date: 1943S