Struck in the midst of the Second World War, the 1943 steel cent is one of the most unusual coins ever issued by the United States Mint. For a single year, the familiar copper penny was replaced with zinc coated steel so that copper could be reserved for wartime production. The result was a silvery coin that looked unlike any other cent before or since.
Set in a clean sterling silver bezel, this historic coin becomes a small artifact of the American home front. It reflects a moment when even everyday currency was adapted to support a global conflict.
The History
By 1943 the United States was fully mobilized for the Second World War. Copper was urgently needed for military equipment, ammunition, wiring, and countless other wartime necessities. To conserve the metal, the U.S. Mint made the extraordinary decision to alter the composition of the one cent coin.
Instead of copper, the Mint struck pennies from steel coated in a thin layer of zinc. More than a billion were produced that year across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Their bright silver appearance made them immediately recognizable in circulation.
The experiment lasted only one year. Steel cents proved prone to rust once their zinc coating wore away, and many were withdrawn from circulation after the war. Today they remain a fascinating reminder of how deeply wartime needs shaped everyday life. Even the smallest coin in a pocket became part of the national effort
What’s Included
Authentic 1943 steel Lincoln cent
Custom sterling silver bezel setting
Sterling silver chain included
Peregrine Pendants coin information card\
Peregrine Pendants jewelry box for presentation and safekeeping
Coin Details
Coin: 1943 Steel Lincoln Cent
Mint: United States Mint
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right
Reverse: Wheat ears framing ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Composition: Zinc coated steel
Setting: Hand set in solid sterling silver
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
