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1943-S

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Regular
Weight2.7 g
Diameter19 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 191,550,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionZinc-coated Steel
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-544

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About this coinHistory

The 1943-S steel cent was produced at San Francisco in a mintage of approximately 191.6 million coins. Common in all grades. The S mintmark appears on the obverse below the date. The 1943-S, like its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts, is one of the most recognizable American coins because of its silvery steel composition. Children who collected coins in the 1950s and 1960s often encountered steel cents in circulation, and for many people, the 1943 steel cent was the first "old coin" they ever found.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.20 $0.25
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.25 $0.25
F-12 Fine (F) $0.30 $0.35
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.50 $0.60
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.60 $0.70
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.80 $0.95
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $4.50 $5.50
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.20–$0.25, rising to roughly $4.50–$5.50 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
191,550,000 were struck.
What is a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
Zinc-coated Steel, weighing 2.7 g.
Is the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.