Expert: Joe Hylas - 1/11/2012

Question
I know the steel pennys were minted in 1943. However I have a friend with one that is missing the third digit. It does not appear to have been altered as there are two small imprints at the top right and lower left where the digit should be. Everything on this coin is in good condition except the date. This was in a collection of other silver coins that belonged to her Mother. She had them stashed in an old rootbeer can covered by a crocheted what-not. It almost met with the garbage as she thought her mother had put gravel in the can to weigh it down. Before tossing the can my friend's daughter shook it and determined it didn't sound like gravel, so emptied it and surprise surprise! I'm sure this needs to be looked at by an experienced coin person. However trusting anyone is not easily come by these days. Just wondering if you could point a safe direction.

Answer
Hi Tammy,
If you contact the NUMISMATIC GUARANTEE CORPORATION in Sarasota Florida, they can help.
They are trustworthy and objective as they do not buy or sell coins.  However, there is a fee of about $30 for they service.  You may be throwing money away though, it may not be worth $30.  In any event, take it to a local dealer or two for their opinion before you plunk down you money.

Regards
Joe Hylas