Reprocessed Steel Pennies 0

[Chadwick2096]

I'm new to collecting. I recently purchased a set of 3 steel pennies, one from each mint. I'm quite certain the Philadelphia one is either totally fake or at least reprocessed. It has a blueish tint and is speckled. I also don't think I see any die-flow lines, although I'm pretty inexperienced. This has questioning the authenticity of the others. Any tips on identifying reprocessed pennies?

[Mr.Bill347]

I wouldn’t suspect any reprocessed 1943 cents. There are a lot of nice ones out there. Here are my three in graded form.  Value on each is $27-30

[Greenstang]

Quote

Any tips on identifying reprocessed pennies

Simple, just look at the edge, if it is shiny like the face, then it is processed. An original 1943 cent is made of a steel core layered on both sides with zinc and it will show on the edge as a dull colour.

[Sandon]

   Welcome to the NGC chat board.

    It's hard to tell from your photos whether these coins are original, uncirculated 1943 zinc coated steel cents or are pieces that had darkened and were plated or "reprocessed". The original pieces have frosty luster with a "cartwheel" effect when rotated in the light and in these respects are like other uncirculated cents, except for their color.  The plated or "reprocessed" pieces are "shinier" and somewhat reflective.  The edge may also be duller as stated by @Greenstang.  Based on your photos the 1943-D is the most "original" looking one. The photos below are of a 1943 graded MS 66 by PCGS, which shows the frost and "cartwheel" of an original piece.

  

[Sandon]

   As a new collector, you might want to review the following topic, which may refer you to some useful print and online resources:

 

Edited February 10, 2023 by Sandon
duplicate post

[VKurtB]

It used to be (back in the day) that the most frequent “mistake” in beginner cents collectors’ albums were horribly reprocessed 1943 cents. Nowadays it’s “errors that ain’t errors” clogging up the extra album holes, 2x2’s, and even slabs. 

[bsshog40]

So I happen to have a set of reprocessed 43's and also an MS65 original 43'. The first pics are of one of my reprocessed cents. Notice how it almost looks plated, has a blueish tint and how the edges are real shiny? The original cent at the two bottom pics show better fields and a more natural color. Pics are not the greatest but hope this helps.