1974 Steel Penny W/ Bronze Plate?

There were copper plated steel cents struck in 1974 that were all supposed to have been melted, but at least one other survived. A google search should provide you with more information.

That's almost certainly the case.



to the CCF!

Thanks for all the replies and now I am in a real quandary on what I should do. The coin is obviously steel, since it responds to the magnet on center and edge checking. Also, I am confused as to the replies that it was plated after it left the mint since I did not know that any 1974 pennies were struck at the mint in steel for production release that all 1962-1982 were of .950 Cu, .050 Zn. I am now wondering if it is even remotely possible that it could be one of the coins referenced by Badger Mint and Tunnioc. How would I go about verifying that the materials are correct for the Bronze plated steel 1974 experimental coins and whether it could be counterfeit and would I be subject to arrest by our honest government if I try to verify it? I do thank all for your assistance and any recommendations are appreciated.

it's not that they were bronze plated, the steel planchets were clad in bronze. like a quarter would be, steel core and copper on two sides, this picture of the edge is exactly what youd want to see.

it'd be quite a bit of trouble to steel plate a 1974 cent then plate front and back in bronze to pull of a fake, I can't imagine someone would go through that trouble.

It's one of those situations where you could lose the coin to secret service if you try to verify it, nobody is going to authenticate it because it's not supposed to exist in the first place, and it's illegal to own it as it was supposed to be destroyed and considered stolen federal property if it turns up.

If it is what it is, might be worth an attorney to take a fight to the federal government over it as you and the coin remain anonymous in the legal case. Perhaps a deal can be reached to authenticate it, and sell it and split the profits in some manner. but ideally, you wouldn't' want to be known as the person that has it, or where it's kept because they will come looking for it to seize it out from under you.

Without it being legitimized and authenticated, I don't see it ever realizing it's full potential value, though I could see it trading hands on the seedy black market coin underworld.
And I gotta say, I don't see it working out in anyones favor besides the federal government,just like those 10 1933 double eagles a while ago.

If real and legitimatized, could be million dollar coin though, just I don't see that working out in your favor no matter how you go about it. If it is what it is, it was supposed to be destroyed and would be considered stolen property.

Tough situation to have.

What doers your 3rd photo show. It appears to be a void in the center of the coin ?

Dan