I don't recall ever buying a Lincoln Cent. I may have because I have been at this for 70+ years. Attached is a 1943 S that appears to be reconditioned. About when did people start reconditioning Steel Cents? I need to know if it was possible for me to have found this in circulation. Or, am I missing a cell in my brain?
My grandmother had a leather coin purse that she tucked away in the mid-1960's and it had three reconditioned steel cents in it.
I would agree with others. Earliest I have seen were ads in trade publications in the late 50's offering reconditioned steel cents. Even by then the zinc was wearing off and making a bunch of rusted cents for collectors.
So, I guess I could have gotten this in change or trade back in the 50's or early 60's. We had an unofficial youth coin club that met in town to trade coins. When you get a dozen or more kids searching we came up with lots of trade material.
A replated cent will also be plated on the edge. The edge does not look as shiny to me also. I can see some shear lines on the edge, which is common for steel cents. Those usually get smoothed out on a replated cent. Just my observation of the photos you have posted. Your coin looks original to me. Can you do some full obverse & reverse photos in lower lighting?
These have been in my primary collection album for many years. I was sure that I got them out of circulation or from someone of those people who gave me stuff when I was a kid. Being born in 43 I was given a lot of 43 stuff from relatives.
I agree with @alurid I don’t think those are “reconditioned”. Those are nice original coins the edges would also be plated if there were plated. I no I bought some that are plated I thought was ms coin when I first started collecting... the wheat stock also is very detailed... when plated there are filled to a point.. nice coins!!
I’ll agree. I think original uncirculated and high en uncirculated. Though they’re not rare in high grade as many a were saved