Welcome to the NGC chat board.
Once a coin has become corroded like this, there is no way to restore it to its original state and generally no way acceptable in the modern numismatic marketplace to improve it. The corrosion product, in the case of a 1943 zinc coated steel cent rust (iron oxide), includes part of the original coin metal, and its removal would leave pits in the coin's surface. As a dark gray lightly circulated example of this common issue may be obtained for less than a dollar and an average uncirculated example for a few dollars, you shouldn't waste your time with this corroded piece. (Watch out for unnaturally shiny pieces with shiny edges that have been plated to appear uncirculated, as many have.)
On 2/8/2024 at 6:49 PM, ThePhiladelphiaPenny said:
I know you are never supposed to clean a coin unless you have to,
Strike the words "unless you have to." You don't have to! It is acceptable to remove surface dirt or other foreign substances (including glue) that have not chemically bonded with the coin's surface by soaking the coin in acetone (a neutral solvent). (See other forum topics regarding the safe use of this flammable substance.) A coin can also be rinsed in clean (some recommend distilled) water and patted (not rubbed) dry. Such practices are not regarded as "cleaning". Any process that abrasively or chemically changes the coin's surface is regarded as "cleaning" and will almost certainly reduce the coin's desirability and value.When submitted to grading services, such coins are "details" graded as "cleaned", are regarded as impaired, and sell at a discount.
This is a complex topic. Grading services will sometimes numerically grade silver coins that have been carefully "dipped" in an anti-tarnish solution, but they likely receive lower grades than they would have had their luster not been impaired by the dipping. Coins have also been professionally "conserved" by companies such as NCS that use proprietary processes that are supposed to remove contaminants and residue from a coin's surface but cannot undo existing corrosion, the results of prior "cleaning" or other damage. SeeCoin Conservation | NCS | Numismatic Conservation Services | NGC (ngccoin.com).
FAQs
Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic solution for removing dirt from coins while also sterilizing them. Simply place the coins in a bowl and ensure they are completely covered with hydrogen peroxide. Allow them to soak for a full 24 hours. Afterward, rinse the coins with water and gently dry them using a cloth.
How do you clean a steel penny without damaging the value? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic solution for removing dirt from coins while also sterilizing them. Simply place the coins in a bowl and ensure they are completely covered with hydrogen peroxide. Allow them to soak for a full 24 hours. Afterward, rinse the coins with water and gently dry them using a cloth.
How do I know if my 1943 steel penny is rare? ›
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.
Will a magnet pick up 1943 steel penny? ›
Although they continued to circulate into the 1960s, the mint collected large numbers of the 1943 cents and destroyed them. The steel cent is the only regular-issue United States coin that can be picked up with a magnet.
How to clean old silver coins without devaluing them? ›
Isopropyl Alcohol. A great way to clean coins without doing damage to them is using a bath of salt and isopropyl alcohol. Keep in mind that this is more of an abrasive than even the sand method and can do serious damage without the proper care.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean pennies? ›
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean coins. It can remove stains and tarnish and won't damage your coins' surface. However, it's best to use a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide instead of concentrated.
How much is a 1943 S steel penny worth? ›
| 1943 Steel Penny Value Chart |
|---|
| Type | XF40 | MS67 |
|---|
| 1943 (P) No Mint Mark Steel Penny Value | $1 | $200 |
| 1943 D Steel Penny Value | $1 | $225 |
| 1943 S Steel Penny Value | $1 | $250 |
Don't soak the pennies for too long.
After a few minutes, the same reaction that dissolves stuck-on grime can begin to eat away at the copper.
How to sell a 1943 penny? ›
If it comes back as a genuine silver 1943 cent I would auction it through one of the major numismatic auction houses. You will get better exposure and better prices that way. Selling price would be hard to say but could be anywhere from $800 to $2,500 depending on how nice it is.
What is a 1943 silver penny worth today? ›
In fine condition (it would need to be professionally graded) value can be in the range $10-12. There has never been a silver penny issued by the U.S. mint. The only way a penny could be silver is if it was minted on the wrong planchet for example a dime or a nickel. There are none that are purposely made silver.
In 1943, the United States Mint switched from using copper to using steel for their pennies. The change was due to a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a small number of 1943 copper pennies were made by mistake — as a result, the 1943 copper penny is now one of the most valuable pennies in circulation.
How much is a 1943 steel wheat penny worth with no mint mark magnetic? ›
Unfortunately, when coins have no mint mark it does not make them more valuable. Coins with no mint mark are by default minted in Philadelphia. 684,628,670 steel Pennies were minted at Philadelphia with no mintmark, so each one is worth between $1-2.
How can you tell if a 1943 penny is bronze? ›
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.
Are there fake 1943 steel pennies? ›
Unfortunately, there are plenty of fake 1943 copper cents floating around. Some were intended to be novelty items; just steel pennies dipped or plated in copper. Others are fraud attempts, where someone has taken a genuine 1948 copper penny and cut the 8 in half, making it look like a 3.
Can you clean a coin without decreasing the value? ›
Before cleaning old coins, consider that appraisers and coin experts suggest not cleaning collectible coins yourself because the coins may lose their value. Using chemical cleaners or scrubbing the coins can leave behind scratches and marks, easily seen by a skilled coin appraiser.
What can I use to clean pennies without damaging them? ›
Fill a plastic container with distilled water and stir in the mild hand soap in which you will soak the dirty coins for 10 to 15 minutes. After this, take the coins out, lay them on a clean, soft cloth, and use the old, soft toothbrush to scrub each coin gently.
Does cleaning a coin devalue it? ›
Cleaning old coins might seem like a good way to revitalise the appearance of a treasured item, but could in fact reduce a coin's value significantly, and should be avoided. Particularly in the case of old precious metal coins, cleaning them is most definitely not recommended!
What cleans a penny the best? ›
The vinegar and salt mixture dissolves the outer layer of dirt. Flip the pennies over and wait another 30 seconds. Then remove them, rinse them with water, and dry. Now you have two clean, shiny pennies!
