Probably the 3 nicest steel cents I have ever come across

Anyone recognize the flip they are in? I got 2 of them today. They toned, which I haven't seen steel cents do.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I think they might have been reprocessed... They look a bit shiny, and the details look kinda filled in. Nice looking coins no doubt, I'm just worried they're not as originally minted.

 

I agree. They look like reprocessed cents.

 

Toning is uncommon on steel cents, but is possible.

I agree with @cwart , however, they look like they have been treated. There is flattening on the cheekbone and on the wheat stalks. These have circulated - and I've never seen original AU steel cents with that shiny, clean appearance.

For an example of a completely original, toned Steel Cent, check out my MS-66 PL example:

 

I notice that my LCS takes possession of batches of steelies from time-to-time and they sort out the original cents from the reprocessed cents. The buyer pays higher for the original cents. It's typically a quick sort activity; the reprocessed cents are shiny and the details washed out.

 

If they are reprocessed they are junk.
I was tricked the same way but I only bought the D and S.

 

Reprocessed, looks like my stapelling!!

 

I suspect reprocessed also, but it is easy to tell. The sheets of steel used for the coins were plated on the surface and when planchet material was punched out and entered into the coining process , the flat sides showed the reflective zinc coat and the edge was duller appearing steel a very short distance from the angle of the edge and faces.

However when reprocessed in a solution , the whole coin including the edge was plated. So if the edge is dull greyish color, it is steel and original. If it shines and reflective and has imperfections and possible small bumps or doubling appearances everywhere, it is reprocessed. IMO, Jim

 

A LCS about an hour away sells steel Cents for 6 for $1.00. That's $.17 each. Yours have been replated. The correct term is reprocessed. I have seen flips like this before.

 

Weight is dead on for unaltered unc.

 

That's normal

 

I agree. Nice cents though. I was born in 1943 and, naturally, have looked at a bunch of them. But. I like all of them.

 

The "processing doesn't add enough weight to be be noticeable. Here is an AU with some nice toning...

 

If the edge is the same color as the obverse and reverse it is reprocessed, if not, it is original.

 

I think reprocessed (replated) also, watch those staples they can do a lot of damage.

I caught a (CoinHELPu) on YouTube, Daniel covered the process pretty well with examples, check it out if you have the time, most of his videos are short and to the point.

 

htps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYkoT-2Vi2w&t=432s

 

I have seen a few like yours over the decades. It's a novelty item 2x2 holder.

 

I agree. Looks reprocessed to me as well. Look at some original slabbed examples in the Heritage archives and you'll see what to look for.

 

I gonna give them to my son to give out to his friends at school.

 

His 3 best and trustworthy friends that won't spend them?
I wouldn't do that. But that's just me