D Mint Penny Appraisal

1943-D Lincoln Cent (Wheat Penny)

This item is a 1943-D Lincoln Cent, commonly known as a 'Wheat Penny' due to the wheat stalks depicted on the reverse (not visible in the provided image). The obverse features a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1943' with a 'D' mint mark beneath it to the right. The coin appears to be made of a reddish-brown metallic material, characteristic of copper-coated steel pennies from that year. During 1943, due to copper shortages during World War II, most pennies were minted from zinc-coated steel, which are typically silver-colored. The reddish-brown color suggests this particular coin may be either a steel cent that has acquired a copper-like patina over time or, less likely but significantly more valuable, one of the exceptionally rare 1943 copper pennies. However, without further examination or a reverse image, it's impossible to confirm the latter. The surface shows considerable wear, particularly on Lincoln's profile and hair, and significant pitting or environmental damage, indicating prolonged circulation and exposure. There are also darker areas of tarnish and corrosion, which could be natural patina or dirt accumulation. The rim is still largely intact but shows signs of uneven wear. The overall condition suggests a 'Good' to 'Very Good' grade by numismatic standards, significantly impacted by the surface imperfections and loss of detail. There are no visible major gashes or bends, but the overall presentation is rough. The coin's diameter is approximately that of a standard US penny (19.05 mm or 0.75 inches), though precise measurement is not possible from the image.