answersLogoWhite

0

Steel pennies are pennies made in 1943 during World War II because copper was needed to make artillery. The Mint took the copper out of pennies and replaced it with zinc-coated steel. Steel cents were made for a year but many people didn't like them because it was easy to mistake them for a dime. 15% of the steel pennies were sent back by the public and then the 15% was destroyed!

Since they were only made in 1943 and are unusual they've disappeared from circulation, but over a billion were minted so they're still not rare - collectors and dealers have bins of them, usually selling for 25 cents to a dollar.

Also some of these pennies were accidentally made out of copper and are extremely rare. Many fakes have been made by copper-plating genuine steel cents, but you can tell if you have one of these fakes because they're the only US coin that is magnetic.

This coin (if you collect coins) is a very good addition to your collection because it has the most interesting back story! -CL

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Was there a steel pennies made in 1961 that was not for circulation?

Steel pennies were only minted in 1943, however some examples of steel pennies being struck in error in 1944.


What is value of steel pennies?

Steel pennies are worth 12 to 15 cents each and up to 65 cents if they weren't circulated. Steel pennies were made during WWII when cooper was needed to support the troops.


Are there any pennies from 1943 made of steel?

Yes, in 1943, some pennies were made of steel due to a shortage of copper during World War II. These steel pennies are rare and highly sought after by collectors.


What is the nickname for 1943 pennies?

Steelies. Short for "steel cents." Copper was needed for the war, so pennies were cast out of steel.


How can you tell the difference between a silver penny and a steel penny?

It's easy! Pennies were never made of silver. They would be worth way more than a cent. Steel pennies were made in 1943. So if you have a penny that was minted in 1943 it's not silver but rather steel.


How do you know if your 1944 penny is steel?

The vast, vast, vast, majority of 1944 pennies are copper. If it sticks to a magnet it /might/ be steel, though you'd have to take it to an expert to make sure it wasn't altered from a steel 1943 penny.


What years were steel pennies minted?

1943


What is the Worth of steel pennies?

it all depends on what year it is


Did the US ever made steel pennies?

Yes


What is the value of a 1910 steel wheat penny with no mint location?

There were no 1910 steel pennies ever made. The pennies made in 1910 were made out of nearly pure copper.


When was the silver penny made?

The US never made silver pennies. In 1943 the US made steel pennies. These are often mistaken for silver pennies.


What metal is a penny 1942 made off?

A 1942 penny is primarily made of copper. During 1942, due to the need for copper in World War II, some pennies were minted with steel coated in zinc instead of the usual bronze composition. These steel pennies are known as "1943 steel pennies."