The numismatic worth of a 1943 Lincoln cent struck on a planchet predominantly composed of silver is a topic of significant interest to collectors and historians. Regular Lincoln cents of that year were made of zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a small number were mistakenly struck on silver planchets, intended for use in other denominations, resulting in an error coin with substantial value.
The unusual composition of these error coins contributes significantly to their desirability. The circumstances of their creation, a consequence of wartime production demands and minting errors, imbue them with historical significance. Their scarcity, relative to the billions of steel cents produced that year, further elevates their worth in the collectible coin market. Authentication and grading by reputable services are crucial in determining the genuineness and condition, factors that dramatically influence the final price.