You are here:
- Home
- Hobbies
- Coin Collecting
- Coin and Paper Money Collecting
- 1943 Lincoln penny with mirror finish
Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1943 Lincoln penny with mirror finish
Advertisement
Question
I'm in the process of auctioning off my late Mother's coin collection through eBay. Today, I found a 1943 Lincoln that looks like a proof, however, the finish is chipping off around the edges, so I don't know WHAT to think! Have you ever heard of a mirror-finished 1943 Lincoln? If so, what is it and what do you think it's worth? Thanks! Best, Barbara
)
Hi Barbara:
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.
From your photo, it appears what you may have is a reprocessed steel cent. When first introduced, these Strange cents were "shunned" by the general population ... they were often called "lead cents", or "steelies". When "Brand New", the 1943 cents looked like and were often mistaken for dimes, and in 1943, making a 9 cent mistake was HUGE! When these cents corroded, they looked like slugs, hence the nick name, "lead cents." In 1945 the mint began to Withdraw steel cents from circulation! In the next 20 years the mint retrieved almost 15% of the steel cents that were minted and DESTROYED THEM ALL!
The Steel Cent is seldom seen in pristine condition. Because the two metals are not compatible in moist atmospheres, they quickly corrode. Over the years, crafty and unscrupulous dealers began to alter these coins ... the outside coatings were stripped down and were "Reprocessed" with a glistening new coating. BEWARE of "Reprocessed" Coins ... they have NO Numismatic Value due to the manipulation of their original condition!
To my knowledge, there were no 1943 proof coins struck. You can read more about the coin at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1943_steel_cent
Your coin is likely worth no more than a dollar or two. Check ebay listing under US coins in the Lincoln Cent category to see if coins like yours are listed, and what they are going for.
Hope this answers your question. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.
Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks so much for your quick and comprehensive information, Ronald. I had already gone to the eBay category you suggested and was unable to locate a similar penny. I am grateful for your assistance and will highly recommend you to anyone who needs numismatic information! | ||
Related Articles
- Chrome Penny - 1943 Chrome Plated Penny - How Much is a 1943 Chrome Penny Worth?
- Lincoln Memorial Cents - History of the Lincoln Pennies Part 3
- Lincoln Cents - History of the Lincoln Penny - Wheat Pennies & Lincoln Memorial Cents
- Lincoln Penny Values - Coin Values for Lincoln Memorial Cents - How Much are Lincoln Memorial Pennies Worth? - Lincoln Pennies
- What Is my Penny Worth - Pennies are Worth How Much - Find Penny Prices and Values in the Coin Value Guides
Answers by Expert:
Ronald Fern
Expertise
I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.
Experience
Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.
Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG
Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News
Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964
BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968
Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.