nwengfan-migration Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I recently purchased several rolls of pennies and came across a 1953 penny that appeared to be steel. It is not attracted to a magnet, but doesn't appear to be painted either. There are some scratches on the field of the coin, and no copper is visible. I also found a 1973 penny that has the appearence of a gold coin. Since I am new to the hobby, I would appreciate any feedback on either coin. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgrinz Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Plated trinkets is my guess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToCollect Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Can you post a image? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwengfan-migration Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Unfortunately, I don't have the ability. I took both coins to a local coin dealer this afternoon. The 1953 is plated, he was able to chip some plating off. The 1973 he said was not plated, but made of brass. Is it worth the money have it sent in and verified? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgrinz Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If it is a Penny MADE out of brass it is an Illegal coin No such thing made Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MunkyMan95 Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Could be bronze? Or struck on foreign planchet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwengfan-migration Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 It appears to be made of brass, it is not plated. He called it an "off metal strike". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiny Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 There weren't any foreign brass coins that would have worked for a cent made in 1973. There was the Philippines 5 centimos in Denver in 1972 and then same in both SF and Denver in 1974. The planchets were 2.50 grams. See if you can get the coin weighed accurately first. Maybe the coin shop or a local jeweler will have a scale and do this for you. Also, does your coin have a S or D mintmark below the date? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relicsncoins Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Wasn't there one year that they did do a trial cent in brass? I know about the 74 aluminum, but I thought there was also a trial brass cent? JJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiny Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 (edited) I think that was 1942. edit Lots of interesting stuff. That one has the same portrait as one of my currently most wanted coins, the Colombia two centavos 1920-38. It may be easier to find the pattern than one of them in unc. Edited November 17, 2006 by spiny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToCollect Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Never heard of a brass planchet in 73 but heck if I knew everything I wouldnt have married my ex-wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwengfan-migration Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 There is no mint mark. What will the weight tell me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MunkyMan95 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Never heard of a brass planchet in 73 but heck if I knew everything I wouldnt have married my ex-wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiny Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 There is no mint mark. What will the weight tell me? It'll help narrow down the possibilities. If it was 2.5 grams, then the chances would be good for being struck on a foreign planchet. If it's 3.11 grams or a little over, chances are good that it's been messed with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coin Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Ken Potter sells brass pennies on his web site( go to CONECA web site and get links or use the one below) and in ads in either coin world or numismatic news . It is just a case of where the mixture of copper and other metals did not mix properly and ya end up with a mostly brass planchete. Nothing rare or major , price-wise , mostly an oddity . ....just be sure it is not a case where someone took an old '73 cent and wiped it down with Brasso cleaner ....way too much ammonia in that stuff. Direct linky to Koin pro site : http://koinpro.tripod.com/ErrorVarietyList.htm Check out the 1983 brass cent , could not find one listed for 1973 , but that does not mean you can't find one , only that he does not have one listed for sale right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwengfan-migration Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 Thanks to all, I appreciate the information. I guess I need to invest in a good camera to provide photos! I have read several posts and have found the information facinating. I look forward to reading additional posts as I wind my way through this maze called coin collecting. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiny Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Ken Potter sells brass pennies on his web site( go to CONECA web site and get links or use the one below) and in ads in either coin world or numismatic news . It is just a case of where the mixture of copper and other metals did not mix properly and ya end up with a mostly brass planchete. Nothing rare or major , price-wise , mostly an oddity . ....just be sure it is not a case where someone took an old '73 cent and wiped it down with Brasso cleaner ....way too much ammonia in that stuff. Direct linky to Koin pro site : http://koinpro.tripod.com/ErrorVarietyList.htm Check out the 1983 brass cent , could not find one listed for 1973 , but that does not mean you can't find one , only that he does not have one listed for sale right now. Those are all due to an error in the plating process on 1982 and later cents. It wouldn't be a consideration on a 1973 cent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kryptonitecomics Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 I have a brass cent laying around somewhere and I agree it's just a mixture issue with a nominal value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jzoey Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 (edited) This is a old topic i see 2006 but i also found a 1953 penny looks like partial steel it weighs 3.05 grams i completely sticks to a magnet Edited May 9, 2019 by Jzoey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
