Can anyone Identify this........

[robert roy]

One of the residents in my building asked me about this penny.
It looks like bright silver and is dated 1943 D. Her father who recently passed away had been carrying it in a pouch for
years. She wants to know if it's of any value. The photo is not black and white, its in color
but didn't come out that well. I am aware of other older pennies that are not copper but a kind of dull metallic color.
This one is NOT like that. It looks just like silver. Any ideas?
Robert R

 

[Nancy-IL]

It's a steel penny. They made them only that year I believe. The Treasury Department made these because of the copper shortage. The coin has more value than a reg. cent. In the 2008 coin red book, the 1943-D would go for .35 in Fine condition. Yes, it's a keeper! HH to all, Nancy

 

[robert roy]

I just came across some information. Seems it is NOT silver but steel and zinc plated:



What is the value of a 1943 US steel penny?
In: Coins and Currency



1943 Pennies
The penny is steel, not silver. If it is uncirculated, it might bring about $1 but if it shows any wear or scratches, it will be about a dime.




Answer
In circulated condition, these are generally worth 5-10 cents apiece.



Answer
1943 pennies are actually made of steel, coated with zinc.

This was done to save the copper for the war effort.

There were over a billion of these minted, so they are not rare.

You can find them at most coin shows for 5-25 cents apiece in circulated condition.

I hope this helps,

Dan




Answer
1943 Wheat Cents are actually made from steel with an outer coating of zinc.

A nice uncirculated coin is worth about $1.00 -- if it has a D mintmark, then $1.50 -- if it has an S mintmark, then about $2.50

However, you must be aware that there are many of these coins out there that are actually circulated coins that have been re-plated with zinc. These are only worth about 25 cents.




Answer
Considering that they minted over a billion of these, they are not considered rare. In circulated condition, it's worth about 5 cents. A nice uncirculated one is worth a couple dollars.




Answer
There were over a billion of the 1943 steel cents minted.

In circulated condition, they're worth about 5 cents.

A nice uncirculated one is worth a dollar or two.

 

[robert roy]

Its interesting that there is so varied a price range for these pennies.
ANyway, the owner will be pleased to have some information.
She thought it might be worth mega bucks! Too bad its not.
RR

 

[robert roy]

Answered Question


Subject 1943D silver/steel penny?
Question One of the residents in my building asked me about this penny.
It looks like bright silver and is dated 1943 D. Her father who recently passed away had been carrying it in a pouch for
years. She wants to know if it's of any value. I am aware of other older pennies that are not copper but a kind of dull metallic color.
This one is NOT like that. It looks just like silver. Any ideas?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer In 1943, the Mint needed to find another alloy to create cents with as copper was deemed necessary for the war effort. They used zinc-plated steel, hence the silver look. In circulated condition, they have very little value, maybe 10-25 cents or so, at best. They are ultra-common. On the trivia side, Congress is asking the Mint to once again create a steel cent because of the high cost to produce cents today with copper.





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[madaboutmike]

Definately a steel penny in fine shape - i have a few. Steel was used because the military had priority for copper. Mike

 

[Gene l]

There was a few of then that was made of copper by accident an are worth a whole lot more !

 

[robert roy]

I WILL BE LOOKING AT EVERY PENNY!!!!!!!
Problem is I seldom find any wheat cents.:sad:
RR

 

[robert roy]

I'LL BE LOOKING HARD from now on...just very seldom find any wheat cents.:sad:

 

[ancientcoin7]

If you get a hold of a 1943 COPPER cent then you really are in business. Supposedly only 40 were accidentally made at that time. You can sell one for over 200,000$!!!

 

[David]

>>>If you get a hold of a 1943 COPPER cent then you really are in business. Supposedly only 40 were accidentally made at that time. You can sell one for over 200,000$!!! <<<

WOW!!!

I have an almost mint shape 1963 Canadian 1cent (copper penny) that is struck (stamped) a fair but off of center which is a mint error-mistake.

I showed someone years ago and he said it was not worth much. Does anyone know what mint mistake coins are worth in the US and Canada ?? Thanks!