The 1943 Lincoln cent, sometimes fabricated from copper, noticed a short lived shift to zinc-coated metal attributable to copper shortages throughout World Warfare II. These metal cents are sometimes mistaken for cash fabricated from silver attributable to their colour. Nevertheless, real examples are simply distinguishable with a magnet; metal cents are magnetic, whereas silver just isn’t. The coloration can range from a vivid, nearly nickel-like look to a uninteresting grey, relying on storage and environmental elements.
The importance of those wartime cents lies of their historic context and the variations that emerged throughout their manufacturing. Errors, resembling copper planchets by chance being struck in 1943, are extremely wanted by collectors, fetching appreciable sums. Conversely, metal cents plated after leaving the mint are typically misrepresented as precious errors, highlighting the significance of authentication and experience in numismatics. The existence of each intentional alterations and real rarities creates each alternative and threat for fans.