I have heard in 1943 that with the steel planchets the dies cracked more frequently. I picked up a 43-D and 43-S in PCGS holders graded MS-67. They look beautiful with knockout luster. However, when I scanned them, one has a hairline crack across Lincoln's head, and the other has a hairline crack across a wheat stalk. These defects are not readily noticed with the naked eye. Do collectors devalue because of this. Or in 1943 would die cracking be considered common? These are hairline, not wide or very noticable. Opinions appreciated.
Die cracks on steel cents are very common, even small die breaks or chips. The steel planchets were much harder than the copper and the dies frequently show signs of being slammed into these blanks. Small cracks or breaks generally do not affect prices unless the coin is MS68 or better. Larger breaks can add value as an error. Below is a 1943 P with several die cracks and a small die chip above Lincoln's ear. http://www.geocities.com/cdb1950/653jgse_CoinPics/wqfclk5j6_1943P_1c_ObvDieBrk_Detail.JPG
