So, just got this set with all 3 US mints for 1943 WWII steel cent, and the Philadelphia has a PMD between Pluribus Unum. Is VF a ok grade for it, or it´s lower? Thank youy
Probably zinc. I would assume the plating metal depends on the person replating them.
I think it's been replated because the surface of the coin looks shiny, but it doesn't look natural for a circulated or uncirculated coin. The shiny surface does not look lustrous to me and I see no signs of a cartwheel. Also the color looks off.
Just confirming that many of these types were cleaned and replated with a Zinc overcoat by third parties.. Steel rusts and looks awful in no time, thus these “reconditioned” coins and many look very attractive but are considered a novelty and readily available. My wife bought me a roll of them years ago as a well intended gift. I still have most them and cant seem to rid myself of them because there seems to be no interest. Some are beautifu and have perfect detailsl but no real value there.
Edit. Sorry for the lousy close up photos but these are shiny and look brand new. All reconditioned 1943 Steel Cents and onced returned to circulation, shed their zinc coating rather quickly.
Just confirming that many of these types were cleaned and replated with a Zinc overcoat by third parties.. Steel rusts and looks awful in no time, thus these “reconditioned” coins and many look very attractive but are considered a novelty and readily available. My wife bought me a roll of them years ago as a well intended gift. I still have most them and cant seem to rid myself of them because there seems to be no interest. Some are beautifu and have perfect detailsl but no real value there.
Personally I don´t care much about the replating, as steel cents aren´t that common to show up here, it was cheap, and came with an interesting history that I didn´t know about. Will keep my eyes open for a more “authentic” one though. Will be interesting having both to see the difference.
They were made of Steel due to the need for copper, brass, bronze, and nickel for the war effort during WWII. Thus the “Silver Nickel” in those days as well as Nickel was needed for armour plating of tanks etc. I have a few of the original steel cents that were not reconditioned and not one of them is pretty or has very good details as you would expect from a steel coin over so many years.
Just confirming that many of these types were cleaned and replated with a Zinc overcoat by third parties.. Steel rusts and looks awful in no time, thus these “reconditioned” coins and many look very attractive but are considered a novelty and readily available. My wife bought me a roll of them years ago as a well intended gift. I still have most them and cant seem to rid myself of them because there seems to be no interest. Some are beautifu and have perfect detailsl but no real value there.
Personally I don´t care much about the replating, as steel cents aren´t that common to show up here, it was cheap, and came with an interesting history that I didn´t know about. Will keep my eyes open for a more “authentic” one though. Will be interesting having both to see the difference.
