1942 Cent Pattern - J-2054, Zinc Coated Steel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,200 SP62 01-12-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-2054, Pollock-2244, is the zinc-coated steel cent pattern that represents the composition ultimately adopted for the 1943 Lincoln cent — the only regular-issue United States coin ever struck on steel planchets. The zinc-coated steel solution elegantly addressed the wartime copper shortage: the steel core was inexpensive, abundant, and required no strategically critical materials, while the thin zinc coating prevented rust and provided a bright, silvery appearance. This pattern demonstrates that the adopted composition produced an acceptable Lincoln cent, though the finished product was far from perfect. In circulation, the zinc coating wore through quickly, exposing the steel beneath to moisture and causing extensive corrosion. The coins were also frequently confused with dimes due to their similar size and silver color. Despite these shortcomings, over a billion steel cents were produced in 1943 across three mints, making J-2054 one of the most consequential patterns in American numismatic history.

Rarity Notes

R-5 to R-6. Rare. As the composition that was actually adopted for production, this pattern carries exceptional historical significance and commands strong collector interest.

Cross References

Judd J-2054, Pollock P-2244; 1942 wartime cent composition testing program; ADOPTED composition for 1943 Lincoln cent; zinc-coated steel