1943 S Lincoln Cent Steel MS65 NGC Brown Label

The 1943-S Lincoln Cent is a fascinating wartime issue struck at the San Francisco Mint and made from zinc-coated steel instead of the usual bronze. This one-year composition change was a result of copper shortages during World War II, making 1943 steel cents a unique and widely collected anomaly in U.S. coinage history. The obverse features Victor D. Brenner’s classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln, while the reverse displays the iconic wheat ears flanking the denomination—both rendered with crisp detail.

1943 S Lincoln Cent Steel MS65 NGC

Graded MS65 by NGC, this example is in true Gem Mint State condition, offering sharp strikes, clean surfaces, and bright original luster. As the highest-mintage of the three 1943 steel cent issues, the “S” mintmark version remains in strong demand, especially in premium condition like this. It’s an essential addition for Lincoln cent specialists and anyone interested in historic wartime coinage.