1943 Lincoln - odd size and weight

perfectstrike · March 28, 2007 2:04AM

I'm hoping someone might have some insight into whatever I found.

It's a 1943 Lincoln cent. It weights 2.3 grams vs 2.7. It's about 17.8 mm in diameter vs 19, my calliper isn't metric is meant for much large items so I could be off a couple tenths. It is magnetic. It has a plain edge, but most of the rolled portion is gone. It's heavily oxidized and slightly rusted as well, so my image isn't very good.

I believe it is a zinc coated planchet steel from the look, sound and magnetic properties. It's real close to the right diameter for a dime, the edge ridges on the dime make it hard to say if it's exact.

All comments appreciated.

David

seanq · March 28, 2007 2:17AM

It looks like someone cut it down to try and pass it off as a dime, I've seen many 1940s and 1950s wheat cents with similar damage. I guess this was a popular way of trying to fool vending machines back when you could actually buy something with a dime.

Sean Reynolds

perfectstrike · March 28, 2007 2:30AM

Thanks Sean. That was my first thought until I looked at the edges under a microscope. There are no marks on the edge from a punch or milling operation. There are visible striations and the clad layers appear to be ever so slightly larger than the rest.

David

flaminio · March 28, 2007 2:55AM

I agree with seanq. It's a mistreated penny, nothing more. Value: 1c. Spend it.

perfectstrike · March 28, 2007 5:33AM

I believe both of you are correct. Even though the microscope doesn't show the roundover and burr I'd expect and do see on clips, the clading on one edge is too jagged to be anything else.

David

yellowjacket · March 28, 2007 11:36AM

Save it for your "special collection." You know, all those coins that make you go "hmmmm."

Garrow

1943 Lincoln - odd size and weight

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