How much is a 1943 steel penny worth if it sticks to a magnet?

Value of a 1943 Steel Penny They are worth about 10 to 13 cents each in circulated condition, and as much as 50 cents or more if uncirculated.

Will a 1943 steel penny stick to a magnet?

The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.

Will a 1944 steel penny stick to a magnet?

If you find a copper 1943 or steel 1944 penny, do two things: Test the coin with a magnet. Real steel coins will stick; coated coins will not. If your 1944 steel penny doesn’t attach itself to the magnet, it’s likely a copper penny coated in a thin layer of steel and is not real steel all the way through.

Are all steel pennies magnetic?

World War II pennies were made mostly of steel. Pennies are made up of 97.5\% zinc and 2.5\% copper, and neither of those two metals are magnetic.

What makes a 1943 steel penny rare?

A regular 1943 steel penny is worth only a few cents. As the 1943 steel pennies circulated, the zinc coating started to turn dark gray and almost black. If it was in circulation long enough, the zinc coating completely wore off, and the steel underneath would start to show through.

Are 1943 steel pennies valuable?

Because they are quite common, a 1943 penny in circulated condition is not worth much. According to USA Coin Book, a steel penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between 16 cents and 53 cents. However, Heritage Auctions sells 1943 steel pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition for more than $1,000.

What makes a 1943 steel penny valuable?

How can I tell if my 1943 penny is worth anything?

The way to detect if your 1943 penny is made out of copper is by using a magnet. If the penny sticks to the magnet, it is made out of steel — not copper. Keep your eyes open for this rare penny — and you could be up to $200,000 richer if you find it.

Is my 1943 steel penny worth anything?

How many 1943 steel pennies are there?

1.1 billion of them were struck, including 685 million 1943 steel cents, 218 million 1943-D steel pennies and 192 million 1943-S steel cents. Each was composed of 99\% steel and 1\% zinc rather than 95\% copper and 5\% zinc and tin as pennies struck before 1943 were.

How can I tell if my 1943 steel penny is worth anything?

The easiest way to determine whether or not your 1943 Cent has collectible value—to see if it is possibly bronze rather than steel—is simply to test it with a magnet. If the coin is magnetic, then it is, unfortunately, the common steel version and is not valuable in most cases.