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1943 Penny

i3Di3D Posts: 2
in U.S. Coin Forum
I found a penny the other day made from some other metal and not copper. It's a bland silver color, 1943. Is it worth anything?

-Brian

- Brian

Comments

  • coppercoinscoppercoins Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭
    1943 cents were made of steel coated in zinc. In circulated grades they run 10c-25c in retail value. They are interesting but quite plentiful.

    The reason they made thm of steel was because of a shortage of copper during WWII. They needed the copper for shellcasings.
    C. D. Daughtrey, NLG
    The Lincoln cent store:
    http://www.lincolncent.com

    My numismatic art work:
    http://www.cdaughtrey.com
    USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
    image
  • aeast236aeast236 Posts: 285 ✭
    Its worth beginning a hobby of collecting coins (be careful though collecting can be dangerous).
    Its actually zinc-coated steel and they were minted because there was a shortage of copper during WW2.
    -Aaron
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,240 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome, Brian! Please, sit down- can I offer you a cold or hot beverage?

    Jeremy image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • i3Di3D Posts: 2
    Well I knew it had something to do with WWII and the shortage of copper. This is just the first time I've ever seen a penny like this. I found it rather interesting, and of course (as anyone would do) wondered if it was worth anything. image I was also told that chemistry students often do this to current copper pennies with some sort of chemical reaction. Wether or not this is true I have no idea but either way, I think I'll keep this as a show peice. Oh and by the way... I'll take a Grande Mocha Latte with an extra shot of espresso! image


    -Brian

    - Brian
  • coppercoinscoppercoins Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭
    Brian - There are a number of different ways to turn the more modern cents a silver color, such as dipping them in a chemical that reacts to the copper plating, or dip them in something that removes the copper altogether, exposing the zinc core. They could also plate the coin in nickel, mercury, or some other metal...so the story about the chemistry students seems pretty valid to me.

    BTW, welcome to the board - I joined three months ago and feel like a part of the family now.
    C. D. Daughtrey, NLG
    The Lincoln cent store:
    http://www.lincolncent.com

    My numismatic art work:
    http://www.cdaughtrey.com
    USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
    image
  • merz2merz2 Posts: 2,474 ✭
    Brian
    I'll add my welcome to the others.The info on the 1943 cent is right on the money,pun intended.All of us would like to hit the jackpot so to speak.image
    Don
    Registry 1909-1958 Proof Lincolns
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I joined three months ago and feel like a part of the family now. >>


    1000+ posts in 3 months. Wow!
  • littlewicherlittlewicher Posts: 1,822 ✭✭
    Wow, we have a ton of Brians on here now. Coolimage Welcome to the boards. Are you planning on collecting coins from now on? It's an interesting and rewarding hobby to get in to.


    For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
    -Laura Swenson

    In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    Yep, and I'm getting close to the 3000 mark. Welcome to the forum, NewBrian! image
    Blog and Pics

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