1943 steel cent composition

Does anyone know what the composition of the 1943 steel cent is?

Everything I find on the net says either 100% steel (which doesn't account for the zinc, or zinc-coated steel (which doesn't tell me the proportions).

The current cents show as 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper. I was just wondering if anyone had data on the 1943 cents.

And to be even more nerdy, does anyone know what the actual composition of the steel was? Every other US coin can be broken down into an actual element (silver, copper, gold, nickel, tin) So how much iron and how much carbon?

Thanks.

 

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All the 1943 steel cents were made of 100% steel. All of the copper and other alloys were being shot at the Axis Powers. A Very touch and go year for sure...

 

So the zinc coating doesn't count for the composition?

 

http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/wheat_ear_cents/1943_cent.htm

Used to work at NUCOR Steel (Jewett, Tx) in the summer when I was going to college. Fe, C, Cr, V, Ma, etc., all are combined to make steel. Various other elements are added to make the steel harder or softer.

Welcome to the forum.
Ben

 

Thanks. The only thing I've been able to find is that it was low-carbon steel. But nothing on actual composition, much less percentages.

 

Any relation to Handsome Toad?

 

Not that I'm aware

 

Nah, no relation, Red Toad doesn't have to brag!

 

Well phrased.

 

So no thoughts on percentage of steel to zinc?

 

Not much needed, it keeps the coin from rusting. Remember, they were coated in a thin layer of zinc (dipped) after they cents were struck.

 

Couldn't find another perfect spot to post these Puppies:

 

I could be wrong but I was thinking they were coated before being punched from the strips.

 

http://www.worksandwords.com/moneym/steelcnt.htm .0005% Zinc. Just a trace; .999 Gold/Silver Bullion has more impurities in it than these steel cents.

Take Care
Ben

 

Inches, not percent... The search goes on.

 

Arrrgh, you're correct, good catch. OTOH, I do know how they coat regular steel with zinc to create galvanized steel. This process is called 'Hot-Dipping."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanized_steel

I suppose the individuals who did the write-up of the 1943 Steel Cent felt that the composition was (low-carbon for ease in striking, much softer than high-carbon) 100% steel with an additional coating of zinc. Be it the planchets or the actual struck coins which were dipped in this molten zinc they perhaps felt it didn't alter the total composition of the cent/planchet. As we all know there is nothing that has a true 100% purity, so they obviously simply rounded up.

If I'm not mistaken there are some bullion pieces struck now with a protective coating of (something like enamel) which is not considered an actual part of the piece.

Take Care
Ben

 

I was unaware that coins were ever hot dipped. I thought they were all electro-coated.

Hmmmmmmmm The delima of not knowing!!

 

yes we are going to have a choice for Toad soup from now on Frank

 

Lol, but I'm very gamey. Choose wisely.

 

dont worry i am a vegetarian