To confirm the real value of a 1943 Steel Cent you need to look at both its metal and coloring. Steel pennies shine silver because they receive their protection from zinc coating. A basic magnet test reveals if a coin is real because true pennies from 1943 stick to magnets. Watch out for both altered copper pennies and artificial date coins. To verify the coin's authenticity you need to weigh it on a scale or consult with a professional who checks coins.