Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/9/2007

Question
I HAVE A 1943 WHEAT PENNY THAT DOES STICK TO A MAGNET. DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT WOULD BE WORTH? THANK YOU  

Answer
Hello Renee,    

Thank You for selecting me for your Question.

The 1943 Lincoln Cents are 'ZINC COATED STEEL' released only in 1943. And yes there is some value on them.

Owing to a shortage of copper during the War, the Treasury Department used steel for the Cent. No bronze coins were officially made that year, although some exist, and through a similar error some steel cents from 1944 do exist.

All three Mints at the time made the coins.
Philadelphia produced 684,628,670 of them.
Denver Mint produced 217,660,000 of them.
San Francisco produced 191,550,000 of them.

It is very likely there are many rolls of them left. Or even to collect a 50 to 100 of them would have been easy in the 1960's to 1970's. I don't see too many in circulation any more. A lot of them rot away if exposed to the elements.

Their value ranges from .20 cents for lower grade specimens to about $3.00 in brilliant uncirculated condition to collectors.

Hope I answered all your questions. Feel free to ask me others about US Coins.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack