As you probably know, these coins were minted on planchets that were made of zinc- coated steel. Zinc and steel both oxidize in an unsightly manner, especially after having been in circulation. Many thousands of these coins were stripped of their zinc coating and replated by aftermarketers to make them appear shiny. Their feeling was that this would make the coins easier to sell to the general public. They were often sold in three coins sets, one from each mint. They were often found in souvenir shops and mail order catalogs. The reprocessing of these coins removes any numismatic value they may have. That's why you were told your coin is only worth face value. Your coin was likely plated several years before the elderly woman obtained it.
There is an easy way to tell if your coin has been plated. Look at the edge. If it's smooth like the surface of the coin, it has been plated. if there is a dull look too it, it's original, but has obviously been polished. Either way, its numismatic value has been removed. It's only worth one cent.
It might not be a bad idea to do a bit of research on these before you reject advice from knowledgeable collectors.