What is a 1943 silver-colored Penny?

The 1943 silver-colored penny is a wartime coin issue made of steel and coated with zinc. During World War II, the war effort required a lot of copper to make shell casings and munitions. In 1943 U.S. Mint produced the penny out of zinc plated steel to save copper for the war effort, so most 1943 pennies are silver colored.

How much does a 1943 Steel Penny weigh?

The steel content means it’s the only magnetic US coin. And it’s also 13 per cent lighter than copper cents. It weighs 2.7 grams, compared to the 3.11 grams of the cents issued the previous year. This YouTube video from VIP Art Fair Collectibles looks in detail at the history and features of the 1943 steel penny.

Why were 1943 pennies silver plated?

During World War II, the war effort required a lot of copper to make shell casings and munitions. In 1943 U.S. Mint produced the penny out of zinc plated steel to save copper for the war effort, so most 1943 pennies are silver colored. Metal was not the only commodity that was critical to the war effort.