1943 Art Appraisal

1943 Lincoln Steel Cent

This item is a 1943 Lincoln steel cent, a particular variety of the one-cent coin issued by the United States Mint. The coin is circular with a reeded rim and appears to be made of steel due to its silvery-gray metallic color, distinct from the typical copper composition of most Lincoln cents. The obverse side, visible in the image, features the right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. The word "LIBERTY" is visible to his left, and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed above his head along the top rim. The date "1943" is clearly legible below Lincoln's bust. While specific details about the mint mark are not discernible from this image, it's typically located below the date. The coin exhibits signs of moderate wear consistent with circulation, particularly on the higher points of Lincoln's portrait and the surrounding inscriptions, suggesting some loss of original luster. There appear to be minor scratches and possibly some surface discoloration or oxidation indicative of its steel composition and age. The craftsmanship is typical of U.S. Mint coinage from this period, showcasing a defined portrait and clear, albeit worn, lettering. This coin is notable for its steel composition, a wartime measure taken during World War II due to copper shortages, making it a unique piece within the Lincoln cent series. Its age, dating back to 1943, positions it as a mid-20th-century numismatic item.