1943 D Steel Wheat Penny

I found a 1943 D Steel Wheat Penny sealed in a tiny envelope in the bottom of an old tool box. I've never seen or even heard of one before and was wondering if large quantities were made and why.

Thanks,
Legg's

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Ya there were a lot made if i recall correctly (not a penny expert of any sort) very common piece

 

Thanks CoinCast.

 

They were made because the copper was being used for munitions.

 

Still a cool coin to have.

Red

 

Mintage of the 1943 D steel cent was 217,660,000

 

They were widely hoarded and are quite common as well as inexpensive.

 

Not that expensive, even in higher grades, but they look so cool :thumb:

PCGS MS67

 

Now, that one is the BOMB! I can tell it has frosty luster, very nice!

 

I once saw a clear tube with about 8 of those in BU condition... I had to look (through the tube) for a while before I realized they weren't dimes, they were that brilliant.

 

If memory serves, all available copper was being used for shell casings and none was available for coin production that year.

 

Wow, mine aren't that good, but I did find an old tube of 20 BU from an auction in 1980s in the safe. Wish all 20 were like that , but happy to have these anyway!

Jim

 

I love the history behind the steel cents. I mean changig a coins entire composition for the war effort. Thats just cool

 

Then from 1945-1947(?) all pennies were made out of leftover shell casings.

 

Actually, I think it was from '44 on.....

 

Yeah it was. was thinking year after '43 and typed '45. Its been one of those days.....

 

Now that is something that I would've never expected...

Thanks everyone for the interesting trivia and sharing of pics.

Legg's

 

You two need to read this;

 

Fine RLM....throw the old Doug wrench in there. I do believe we need him to check in here.....

 

Hey! All I have is probably the same thing you have. The Red Book says they were used from 44 - 46. Lange only mentions it for 44. I will add;