1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent Value

In the current market, a 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent changes hands for roughly $0.10 at the low end and $38.00 at the top. Certified examples in top grades can run far higher.

1943CENTCENT
Illustrative rendering. Photographs of this date are being added.

1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent value by grade

1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent value by grade
GradeEstimated value
Good (G-4)$0.10 to $0.15
Very Good (VG-8)$0.10 to $0.20
Fine (F-12)$0.20 to $0.35
Very Fine (VF-20)$0.40 to $0.70
Extremely Fine (XF-40)$0.80 to $1.35
About Uncirculated (AU-50)$1.60 to $2.70
Mint State (MS-60)$3.20 to $5.40
Choice Unc (MS-63)$7.20 to $12.00
Gem Unc (MS-65)$22.50 to $38.00

Estimated retail range, updated 2026-06-15. Estimates are modeled from mintage rarity and metal content, not auction records. Actual sale prices vary with certification, eye appeal and market timing.

How much is a 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent worth today?

In worn but collectible condition (Good-4), a 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent starts around $0.10. From there, value climbs with every grade step: a gem Mint State example (MS-65) can reach $38.00. Most coins found in old collections fall somewhere between Very Fine and About Uncirculated, the middle rows of the table above.

1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent specifications

Series
Lincoln Wheat Cent
Year
1943
Mint mark
D
Mintage
217,660,000
Composition
Zinc-coated steel
Weight
2.7 g
Diameter
19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Designer
Victor David Brenner

Mintage figure: US Mint reports (approximate).

Where is the mint mark on a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent?

On a 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent, the "D" mint mark of the Denver Mint sits on the obverse, below the date on the right side of Lincoln's portrait. A loupe helps: on worn examples the letter can fade into the surrounding devices.

Why the 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is worth money

Context adds the final layer to the 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent. The 1955 doubled-die obverse, with its dramatically doubled date and lettering, is the most recognizable mint error ever to reach circulation. Owning this date means owning a piece of that story, and demand for the series as a whole sustains liquidity for every issue in it.

At 217,660,000 struck, scarcity is not the story here. Condition is: well-preserved examples with original luster stand far above the worn majority.

Summary: the 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is valued between $0.10 and $38.00 as of 2026-06-15. Estimates combine mintage rarity, key-date status and metal content; they are editorial guidance, not an offer to buy.