1944 Steel Penny Found

I believe better pictures is needed, those appears to be scans and may not hold detail with a good digital camera, but even then it would be advisable to submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication.

Question: Where in the house you found this coin?

My immediate gut reaction was that the coin is a fake. Not because of the audacity of the story, but because it just looks fake. After years of seeing fakes, tell-tale signs such as lack of detail and how it just looks wrong qualify as tipping points to experienced collectors.

One thing you do have to consider as to the lack of detail, the presses were set for striking the softer copper alloy. That could cause a loss of detail on a harder steel planchet. (Conversely 1943 copper cents then to be very sharply detailed because the presses were set for striking the harder steel alloy and brought up the copper very well.)

I doubt very much the OP will be back. He was basically called out as a liar for "saying" something that he didn't even say. I wouldn't come back.

I agree, Conder101, and had thought that when others were talking about mushy details, lack of detail, etc. Also, the areas around the neck and parts of the coat are susceptible to over-polishing of the die. So, taking those two ideas into consideration, I don't think the lack of some detail automatically screams fake.





Unfortunately, this is probably true. I understand being skeptical but, these types of rare errors have to be found somewhere, somehow and by someone. They don't just drop out of thin air and fall into a Heritage auction.

It is possible to be factual without being discouraging. Education is the key to collector success!