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Question
I just found this penny that is dated back to 1943 but its silver and it does stick to magnet is that suppose to happened I have never seen a silver penny before I just thought is would be interesting to know about it.
Cindy,
Your penny is not actually silver, but rather steel covered with zinc. This was done during World War Two to conserve copper for the war effort. Being steel, that is why it sticks to a magnet -- this is normal.
There is some interesting history about the Lincoln cent here :
http://www.coinsite.com/CoinSite-PF/pparticles/01clinc.asp
There were over a billion of these steel cents minted in 1943, so their collector value is minimal -- perhaps 10 cents apiece in circulated condition.
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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