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1944 Steel Penny How To Spot A Fake?

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denraweb's Avatar
United States
4 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  4:37 pm Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add denraweb to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
Hi everyone. Been lurking here for awhile and decided to become active as I've developed an interest in coins lately.

So my first question is what things can I look for to spot a fake 1944 steel penny?

Let's say I have one that is magnetic, weighs 2.7g on the dot, and all the letters and numbers look correct and aren't misaligned, what else can I do to verify it's authenticity? I've heard an authentic steel penny should hold some magnetism as well after coming in contact with a strong magnet. I have also heard about the gravity test using water and a paper clip. Aside from these things, what could I look for visually beforehand?

Also, am I correct in saying the "S" mm was the rarest for this year?
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Christian18's Avatar
United States
70 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  5:34 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Christian18 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Besides the tests you mentioned the only thing I can think of is sending it to be authenticated with a grading company like PCGS. Also, you are correct that the 1944 S is the rarest.
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mrwhatisit's Avatar
United States
2955 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  6:27 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add mrwhatisit to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
And then if it is genuine, then you have a major rarity worth serious money. Yeah, getting it authenticated by a TPG would be a good idea.
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merclover's Avatar
United States
10635 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  6:53 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add merclover to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Could be plated. Can we please see a photo or two of it?



to the CCF!

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sel_69l's Avatar
Australia
21788 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  7:28 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add sel_69l to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Zinc coated bronze pennies are not magnetic.
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coop's Avatar
United States
62064 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  7:47 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add coop to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Just slightly so if plated with steel or nickel. But not like a steel cent that jumps to a magnet.
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denraweb's Avatar
United States
4 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  9:35 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add denraweb to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Here's some pics. Thoughts?
1944-Steel-Penny-How-To-Spot-A-Fake?
Edited by denraweb
01/29/2021 9:40 pm
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denraweb's Avatar
United States
4 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  9:40 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add denraweb to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

1944-Steel-Penny-How-To-Spot-A-Fake?
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 Posted 01/29/2021  10:04 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add RW1010 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
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Numisma's Avatar
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 Posted 01/29/2021  11:12 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Numisma to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
It doesn't look quite right to me, especially the date. Compared to the real deal (https://www.PCGS.com/coinfacts/coin...-steel/82731), your fours look strangely rounded. The coin also has a bit of a bubbly appearance.
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Rothery's Avatar
2145 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  11:46 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Rothery to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
That ear sure has some strange things going on with it.
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merclover's Avatar
United States
10635 Posts
 Posted 01/29/2021  11:47 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add merclover to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
I have to agree. When compared to the PCGS example, it's falling short. It's leaving me crave Chinese food.
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jbuck's Avatar
United States
188770 Posts
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denraweb's Avatar
United States
4 Posts
 Posted 01/30/2021  02:29 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add denraweb to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
Numisma Posted - Yesterday : 11:12 pm
It doesn't look quite right to me, especially the date. Compared to the real deal (https://www.PCGS.com/coinfacts/coin...teel/82731), your fours look strangely rounded. The coin also has a bit of a bubbly appearance.


Yeah I see that too. Did the Chinese ones meet the magnetism and weight requirements? How far did they go as far as making these counterfeit pennies?


Quote:
Rothery Posted - Yesterday : 11:46 pm
That ear sure has some strange things going on with it.


Maybe he wrestled?


Quote:
jbuck Posted - Yesterday : 11:55 pm
to the Community!


Thanks!!
Edited by denraweb
01/30/2021 02:32 am
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JimmyD's Avatar
Canada
21616 Posts
 Posted 01/30/2021  3:31 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add JimmyD to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
The mint mark is the wrong style and in wrong location.
There are only two known 1944 steel cents with a "S" mint mark.
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fortcollins's Avatar
United States
3657 Posts
 Posted 01/30/2021  5:15 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add fortcollins to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
IMHO, counterfeit. Every "4" is different on Lincoln cents from the 1940s, including both fours on a 1944. As others have noted, neither four on your coin matches the style of the fours on a 1944.
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