Going through my 1943's - finally decided to weigh them. Most were in the 2.5 - 2.8 range. This one I did find that weighed 3.1g - but it is definitely NOT copper. Is this still within mint tolerances for the zinc coated steel cent or could it possibly be one of the experimental types? Any ideas or information would be appreciated.
Steel cents weigh 2.7 grams. It could be a little thicker. The range is +/- .13g 2.57g-2.83g. Could be a thickly rolled planchet. Certainly a keeper but I doubt it has a lot of value. Maybe a little more than regular, except condition is the most important factor. Stack it with some others and see if it is thicker on the side.
If the other coins weighed normal on the same scale, it's almost 15% heavier. Weigh it on different parts of the scale just to see if you get any 3.0 readings. I would put it in a 2x2 coin flip and write the weight on there.
Perhaps check thickness with calipers at 4 points around circumference. Expected thickness = 1.52 mm -0.102/+0.152 mm
Just a couple of general observations about coin's weight. 1. The official weight is for a coin when minted, not after being on circulation, where wear can decrease and corrosion can increase weight. 2. A scale should be calibrated before relying on the reading. In the scale in this thread, the calibration process is printed on the inner lid. A Calibration weight is necessary. 3. A balance with at least one extra decimal space as they do round off. So to measure an accurate 3 gram weight a 0.0 balance is needed, a 3.1 weight, a 0.00 balance, for a 3.11 weight a 0.000 balance is needed. Jim
