1943 Steel Penny- Roll of 50

In 1943, the U.S. Mint made Lincoln Pennies with steel instead of copper.  Copper was an essential metal for items like bullet casings and shell cases that were in demand by the U.S. military in World War II.

This was the first and only time in history that the U.S. has issued a steel coin … and this was the coin that helped America win the war by making copper available for the military! Steel Pennies were made only in 1943, so this is a one-year-only coin type.

The steel cent has been out of issue for almost 70 years.  Most coins were worn out or damaged in circulation long ago, and almost all coins were returned to banks and the U.S. Treasury once the copper coins returned in 1944.  Most 1943 steel coins were destroyed, meaning that few remain for today’s collectors.

This is a complete roll of 50 steel cents in a protective tube.

 The reverse is the classic Wheat Ears design; the obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln by sculptor Victor D. Brenner.

Owning a roll of 1943 steel cents is a great way to relive history and to own a scarce piece of U.S. history.