27 oil drums each containing 500 pounds of steel cents melted for the steel

[jeff of pa]

Troublesome Coins Helped Win the War

The New Yorker said steel cents looked like dimes but wouldn’t buy a nickel’s worth of anything. Yet the troublesome steel cents, struck in 1943 only, helped win the war.

Copper was needed for shell cases and electrical equipment during World War II. Steel cents were minted to reduce the amount of critical materials going into coins.

On Dec. 18, 1942, legislation was passed authorizing cents struck in low-carbon steel with a zinc coating to inhibit rust. Steel cent production began on Feb. 1, 1943. The first batch was delivered Feb. 27.

Troublesome Coins Helped Win the War

 

[Connecticut Sam]

These cents are worth a lot of money, since there are not that many left.

 

[sharons7]

I have more than 50 of them 1943 world war II cents. Where can I go to see what the value of them are? any suggestions?

 

[jeff of pa]

depending on condition, I'd guess anywhere from, a quarter
to a few dollars each unless there is a Double Die.

in order to see what people are actually paying though I say watch Ebay & see what people are
bidding on & paying.

1943 steel cent | eBay

it's actually more accurate,
especially if you use the completed listings