So, I'm fairly certain this is a steel cent because copper doesn't rust, but the date doesn't look to be 1943. It's difficult to tell in the photos, but it appears to be 1947. Any thought on this?
Did you try a magnet?.. If it sticks to a magnet then it is a 1943 Steel Cent. If it does not then...
It doesnt. But how is it rusted? Is it because the plating isn't there and metal in the core is rusting?
If it's not magnetic, and you think it's dated 1947, then it's not a 1943. It's so corroded, not steel, and not rusted. It's just 'crap' on the coins surface that's degraded. It's 'environmental damage' I'd throw it away, so it doesn't confuse the next person who gets it in change. (seriously)
Yes, heavily corroded. It seems like most of the wheat cents I find metal detecting look about like this.