Table of Contents
What is a reprocessed steel cent?
“Reprocessed” 1943-D Lincoln Cent This alteration involves the removal of the thin layer of zinc from the steel and then re-plating the result. Because the plating has been re-added well after the original striking of the coin, a lot of the small details like die flow lines and luster are lost.
Are there fake 1943 steel penny?
Copper Plated 1943 Fakes At one time genuine 1943 Steel pennies were copper plated and sold as novelty items at coin shows and flea markets. Many of these coins were then spent and ended up in circulation alongside genuine Lincoln cents. You can test your penny yourself by seeing if it sticks to a magnet.
What does it mean if a coin is reprocessed?
Reprocessing involves stripping off the old zinc, removing any rust from the surface of the coins, and electromagnetic reprocessing re-coating them in zinc, giving them a shiny finish.
How can you tell if you have a real 1943 steel penny?
The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.
What is a 1943 D steel penny worth?
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1943 D Steel Wheat Penny value at an average of 45 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $12. (see details)…
How does reprocessed steel make a coin better?
The 1943-D piece above has been reprocessed in an attempt to make the coin appear better than it actually is. This alteration involves the removal of the thin layer of zinc from the steel and then re-plating the result.
Can a steel cent coin be properly preserved?
The coin above is an excellent example of how beautiful the steel cents can be when properly preserved. Make special note of the fine die-flow lines radiating outwards on both the obverse and reverse. These lines are evidence of an original, unaltered surface.
What are the lines on a steel cent?
These lines are evidence of an original, unaltered surface. While this coin is 100% original, there is, unfortunately, an extremely common alteration that is seen on steel cents. This alteration is known as reprocessing. Compare the photos above to that of the NGC MS 66 at the beginning of this article.