Coin Specifications

The Lincoln Cent underwent a major change in 1943. The US Mint altered the composition of the coin in an effort to conserve copper for the war effort. This change lasted only one year and created the 1943 Steel Cent. The deign of the coin remained the same as the prior year, however the metallic composition was radically altered.

The Steel Cent was created from zinc coated steel. Interestingly, the zinc coating was not applied to the edges of the coins, which resulted in many rusting when exposed to water, or even the natural process of circulation. The cent was also lighter than the prior version and could be attracted by a magnet. This caused problems with some vending machines. The somewhat unpopular composition was only used for one year before the US Mint reverted to the traditionally copper based penny.

Steel Lincoln Cent Coin Specifications

cents lincoln