Thread: 1943 Steel Penny that looks like Bronze

I'd appreciate any insights you can provide. I found a 1943 penny that looks like it's copper or bronze. It does not look like your typical grey 1943 steel penny, of which I have several. I used a magnet, and the coin is definitely steel, but its color is just like a red or brown penny. Any thoughts as to how it got this color? Any other possibilities. Sorry, I don't have capability of taking/posting picture. Thank you.

Two possibilities come to mind.

1. Someone tried to create a Bronze 1943 by Electrolysis.
2. Yellow Rust.

But I'm no expert. I predict a request for photos shortly.

Photos please

I agree with marshall most liekly option 1.

It does sound like it's been coated/plated with something. If like you said it sticks to a magnet then that confirms it's not the real deal.

It has been copper plated. There are lots of them out there.

Originally Posted by rlm's cents

It has been copper plated. There are lots of them out there.

Yup, and you can have anything plated.

if it sticks to a magnet, you're out of luck.

Almost in luck! I have a roll of steel pennies.......

An actual ad in the Numismatic Scrapbook in 1961. So you can see where many
plated 1943 cents come from

Jim

I want to thank you all for your very useful responses. I can always count on this board to provide the best information. Again, thank you.

Originally Posted by bqcoins

if it sticks to a magnet, you're out of luck.

Yep.

One solution : get a different magnet.

This is one of the best plated ones I have seen.