Steel cent question

[cooper8273]

Hello!

Does anyone know how to tell the difference between a beautiful unc steel cent and a "whizzed" one?

[cimperialis]

Welcome to the forum. I've not heard of a "whizzed" steel cent, but it sounds like some post-mint damage. If that's the case, it's worth less than a normal steel cent.

[jcuve]

Welcome to the forum!

The steel cents were made from rolls of zinc plated steel. The blanks were punched out exposing the raw steel sides before being struck. Any steel cent that looks a little too glossy and has zinc coated sides has been re-plated. Most dressed up steel cents have been replated.

Whizzing a steel cent would probably damage the zinc, and I am not sure it is done, but such whizzed coins have a false surface detectible upon viewing.

[coop]

They should not be glossy like a reprocessed cent. They should be slightly dull and not rough looking.

[rlm's cents]

To me, the key is still luster. A reprocessed or whizzed coin will shine. An original minted coin will have luster. It will literally look like it has spokes on it rather than a uniform shine. Maybe the best example would be this film; http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HJh76tAJy0s. Notice how the coin does not shine but has streaks that reflect the light.

[RWBILLER]

I agree that I have never seen a whizzed srell penny. Maybe it's just me but ever reprocessed cent I have seen always has some imperfections on it (why reprocess a unc one) and has that chromed look.
Rog

[tone541]

yeah, see coop, outstanding steel cent .

[coinman2009]

Whizzing usually leaves visible swirl marks, sometimes not to the naked eye, but they will show up under magnification. Never seen a whizzed steel, but I'm sure they're out there!

[cents1st]

Purchase an AU or EF and try it yourself. A small out-lay of a few bucks will show you what to look for.