1943 USA Lincoln Wheat Cent - WWII Zinc-Coated Steel Emergency Issue, Slabbed (INB)

Zinc-coated steel. Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). Heavy surface oxidation/corrosion. Historically significant wartime issue. INB holder.


Description

One of the most recognisable wartime curiosities in US numismatics: the 1943 Lincoln wheat cent struck in zinc-coated low-carbon steel rather than the standard bronze composition. In 1943, copper was redirected to manufacture ammunition cartridge cases for the war effort, making these steel cents an everyday reminder of the wartime sacrifice on the home front. The coin features the Victor David Brenner portrait of Abraham Lincoln with "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" inscriptions on the obverse, and the classic wheat stalks reverse with "ONE CENT / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM". No mint mark is visible, indicating Philadelphia Mint.


This example is housed in an International Numismatic Bureau (INB) slab (serial 2213257569) with the label "WWII EMERGENCY ISSUE". The coin is authenticated as a genuine zinc-coated steel cent. Surface condition shows significant environmental damage: heavy, mottled dark oxidation patches cover approximately 40-50% of the obverse, typical of steel cents where the thin zinc plating has broken down and exposed the underlying steel to moisture. The reverse is in noticeably cleaner condition with bolder lettering. No evidence of abrasive cleaning. Note: INB is not recognised as a major third-party grading service (PCGS/NGC/ANACS). The holder provides physical protection only.


Specifications

Country: United States of America

Denomination: One Cent

Year: 1943

Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)

Composition: Zinc-coated low-carbon steel

Diameter: 19.05 mm | Weight: 2.70 grams

Grade: VF details - environmental damage/corrosion (net approx. F-12 to VF-20)

Holder: INB slab (serial 2213257569) - not a major TPG

Note: Surface corrosion is common on 1943 steel cents and does not indicate cleaning; genuine zinc plating breakdown from age/moisture exposure

294202+8

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