1943S Copper Penny??

[pepperj]

So I found this on Craigslist a couple years ago and took a big risk by paying $150 for it when i realized that it was not steel and the 3 look good. I took a magnet with me and it did not stick. I looked at the 3, and as you can see in the pic. The 3 has the long tail that exceeds passed the other numbers. (other known 1943's weight equals 3.0 to 3.2 grams) mine weighs in at 3.21. And again the magnet does not stick. I have tried many many magnets and nothing sticks. I have taken to 3 different dealers and I believe that they are to scared to take a chance on it. One of the dealers even put it in a xray machine and it passed that test as well. Everything leads to YesYesYes!!! However I have not been told YesYesYes from a professional yet. Good news is that I have found a guy that just might be the one. I will be taking it to him tomorrow to find out! View attachment 2085185View attachment 2085187View attachment 2085188

Your weight range for this 1943 S is quoted: "other known 1943's weight equals 3.0 to 3.2 grams) mine weighs in at 3.21."
From what I have read from the leading grading services the actual weight is 3.11 grams.

Here is an expanded view of that penny's date.

Now here is a expanded view of your coin
I will point out the "S" and they look different to me.

The actual alignment of the S to the 4
Your coin is parallel to the down stroke of the 4
The graded coin that sold the S is not aligned at all.

Now looking at the actual 3 the top portion of your coin looks like it has been altered (added on)
The graded penny the 3 is clearly defined in this area as it should be.

 

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[ARC]

"Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell the difference between a genuine 1943 copper penny and a Chinese counterfeit. Fortunately, Lincoln cent experts at third-party grading services can tell the difference by closely inspecting the coin under a stereo microscope. Additionally, a professional numismatist may be able to tell the difference for you before you send it to a third-party grading service"

Is Your 1943 Copper Penny Real or Fake?

The 1943 Copper Penny is a much sought-after error coin. Learn to tell the genuine 1943 copper penny from the fake 1943 copper penny.

www.thesprucecrafts.com

 

[BennyV]

I mean if you have a coin that can potentially be worth $200k spend the money and get it graded.

 

[Z.Agee]

The Chinese fakes also pass all those tests, so unfortunately that doesn't mean much anymore. The major grading services sometimes have a representative at major coin shows, you can check for some near you.

PCGS is going to be in Pittsburg in August. They will have on-site grading available. I might be taking a road trip in August

 

[cudamark]

Personally, I have problems with the 3 and the S mintmark. Granted, the mint marks were applied to the die after the die was initially made, so, they can be in different positions in relation to the year, but, the S itself doesn't look right to me. I'd soak it in acetone first to see if the 3 falls off. If not, getting PCGS to certify it would be next if your local coin store "experts" can't decide.

 

[PetesPockets55]

Would love to see an authentic one but I agree that the details on the reverse are much too mushy (weak, not sharp) to have been struck by original dies and striking pressure.

Maybe this will help. The angle of the three's don't match and the MM is a different style. An overlay might help but I'm not familiar with how to do one.