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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1942 zinc coated steel penny
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Question
I have a 1942 penny with no mint mark. It looks to be zinc coated steel. It's like the 1943 pennies except it is from 1942. You can clearly see that it was struck on the wrong planchet as well because it has a double rim around it. It's the oddest coin I've ever seen in person. Can you please tell me if coins like these ever existed or is this more than likely a fake. If indeed it is real, how valuable could it be?
Hi Bridget,
I would bet that it is a normal copper penny that has been zinc plated. Does it stick to a magnet? If it doesn't, it's not steel.
There have been cases of 1943 copper pennies and 1944 steel pennies but since the steel planchets werent used until 1943, odds are that this is a coin that has been altered in some way.
Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
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Answers by Expert:
Joe Hylas
Expertise
Numismatic professional with over 30 years experience can answer your questions about US coins, their values, how best to sell them and where to buy them. Interested in starting a collection? Find out which areas are undervalued and how to acquire those coins at the best price.
Experience
Ex-Head Precious Metals trader for Deak-Perera International with 42 offices worldwide. Industry experience since 1978. Has worked co-operatively with US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Austrian Mint, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International. Professioanl numismatist specializing in US Coins. Always buying collections, will travel if size of collection warrants. Website: www.AllCoins.US
Organizations
PCGS, NGC, Rotary
Publications
Physician's Money Digest
Education/Credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
Awards and Honors
Paul Harris Fellow
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