Steel Penny

Guadalcanal

Full Member
Mar 27, 2012
105
61
Southern California/Beijing
Detector(s) used
Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II
(A gift from Hosensack)
Fisher F2
Vulcan 360 Pinpointer
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting

Attachments

  • IMG_0984.jpg
    IMG_0984.jpg
    757.4 KB · Views: 27
  • IMG_0985.jpg
    IMG_0985.jpg
    771.9 KB · Views: 24
The problem with the 1943 cent is the material it is made of, zinc plated steel. Zinc easily oxidizes giving a dark grey to off black appearance, much like your coin.

Also evidenced by your coin is inadequate plating in at least a few spots. This leads to oxidation of the underlying steel, as seen near the top of the right side wheat.

While I have a few hundred of these lying about my hobby room, I do not keep them long. 2-3 months at best. Depending on condition, I either flip them at $0.25 each, or rolls at $10.00.

Others put more value on them. To each his own, I suppose.

Time for more coffee.
 

Just my second wheat penny from a Coinstar, and it's a 1943 steel cent! This ended a long drought of finding nothing at all for a few months.
Love the steel pennies..
So far I've got 2 out the 3 mintages...and of course there's the 1943 elusive copper... I've heard there may even be a 42 steel...
 

Love the steel pennies..
So far I've got 2 out the 3 mintages...and of course there's the 1943 elusive copper... I've heard there may even be a 42 steel...
There are a few 1943 coppers. Most, however, are forgeries.

As to 1942 steel, none are known. There are a few steel 1944 cents.
 

There are a few 1943 coppers. Most, however, are forgeries.

As to 1942 steel, none are known. There are a few steel 1944 cents.
Yes, I believe it was the 1944 steels not the 42...I hadn't heard that some 43's were forged...but not surprised... fascinating stuff
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top