1943 Genuine Steel WWII Lincoln Wheat Penny US Coin 24K GOLD PLATED (QTY: 10).  Each Coin is full Genuine 24 Karat Gold Plated. 1943 steel cents are U.S. one-cent coins that were struck in steel due to wartime shortages of copper. The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints each produced these 1943 Lincoln cents. The unique composition of the coin has led to various nicknames, such as wartime cent, steel war penny, and steelie. Due to wartime needs of copper for use in ammunition and other military equipment during World War II, the United States Mint researched various ways to limit dependence and meet conservation goals on copper usage.  Mint marks chosen at random and coin capsules not included. Mint marks chosen at random and coin capsules not included.