Values range from about 15 cents to 90 cents in typical worn grades, while uncirculated pieces go for $1.50 or more. The most valuable 1939-S penny ever sold was graded MS-67+ by PCGS and realized $3,966 in 2013.
Why do they put the pennies in water after they are covered in zinc?
In this activity, soaking the penny in the zinc solution actually coats the surface of the penny with zinc atoms. When the zinc covered penny is heated, the copper atoms of the penny and the zinc atoms coating the penny mix and turn gold in color. This mixing of metals is an alloy called “yellow brass.”
What kind of copper is a 1943 Lincoln cent made of?
Unscrupulous people will try to pass off these plated coins as the 1943 ultra rare error where the cent was struck on a bronze plancet my mistake. To determine if your 1943 copper cent is made of steel or bronze, use a magnet.
Is there a silver penny made in 1942?
Hi, Tammy –. There was no silver, or steel, penny made in 1942. You either have a Mercury silver dime planchet that was accidentally struck by a Lincoln cent die or a regular copper 1942 cent that was plated in zinc, steel, silver, or another silvery metal by someone outside the Mint.
What was on the back of the 1909 Lincoln cent?
The reverse (back) of the coin had the denomination and text surrounded by two ears of wheat. Thus, the coin became known as the “Wheat Cent” by collectors. The Lincoln cent was the first cent to have the “In God We Trust” motto. The designer’s initials (V.D.B) appeared on the reverse of a limited number of the 1909 cents.
What kind of metal is a 1942 Lincoln dime?
You either have a Mercury silver dime planchet that was accidentally struck by a Lincoln cent die or a regular copper 1942 cent that was plated in zinc, steel, silver, or another silvery metal by someone outside the Mint.
