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.

Are 1943 steel pennies rare?

While 1943 steel Pennies are about as common as any other 1940s Lincoln cent, there is one variety from 1943 that stands out for its rarity: the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. Approximately 30 to 40 1943 Pennies were inadvertently struck on 1942 bronze coin Planchets.

How do you tell if a 1943 Penny is real?

Try sticking your 1943 penny to a magnet: If your 1943 penny sticks to the magnet, it is a common steel cent and NOT worth the big bucks. If your 1943 penny does NOT stick to the magnet, it may be a rare 1943 copper penny. Further authentication is required to see if it’s a legitimate 1943 copper cent.