2006-12-04 13:59:56 · 10 answers · asked by sherry m 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The 1943 Cent is made of 100% Steel, and is coated with a thin layer of zinc. Here's some interesting info about them, but no information about cleaning them.
http://www.usmintquarters.com/steelcents.htm
2006-12-04 14:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by poppet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1943 cents are zinc coated steel. That is why they stick to a magnet. You don't clean them. If they are in such a shape that you think they need to be cleaned, then they are not in collectible condition. The environment eats away at the zinc, actually destroying it. All you will do is make the coin have deep pits where the metal has been eaten away. In any case unless they are in a very high grade they are only worth 2-5 cents each and usually end up in a dealers common wheat cent box. There were 684,728,670 coins minted in Philadelphia,217,660,000 minted in Denver and 191,550,000 minted in San Francisco. As you can see by the high mintage figures this date is neither rare or even scarce except in extremely high mint state grades.
2006-12-05 07:05:42 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The are made of steel, not copper in 1943. The US was using the copper they would normally use for the pennies for ammunition that was needed to support the efforts during WWII. I'm not sure what would be good to clean up steel real good, though.
2006-12-04 14:07:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to have the penny for collector's value, it's recommended not to clean them. They're worth about 15 cents.
The way to check if they are real is to use a magnet. If it sticks then it's made of steel. Copper doesn't stick.
The way to clean copper pennies is to use salt and vinegar.
Here's a big list of links for your info:
2006-12-04 15:20:26 · answer #4 · answered by Jeannette B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the penny's are made primarily of zinc if white in color.Do not clean them it will only decrease their value. I it is a copper penny you have a very valuable one,since very few were minted during the war.
2006-12-04 15:34:44 · answer #5 · answered by randy c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually they're mostly zinc on the inside with a copper plating.
2006-12-04 14:25:10 · answer #6 · answered by Rny2 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
put them in hydro cloric acid i dont no were u would get but it makes the penny shininer then a brand new one
2006-12-04 14:02:15 · answer #7 · answered by Jake J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Drop them in a cup of soda and watch 'em fizz.
2006-12-04 14:34:35 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have used ketchup an let them soak in it an it cleans it up super nice
2006-12-04 14:27:51 · answer #9 · answered by rodeogirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put them in a jar (w/lid on) with vinegar and salt - shake. viola
2006-12-04 14:09:14 · answer #10 · answered by J T L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋