1948 cents used to make fake 1943 dates

Are fake copper 1943 cents made from 1948 dates?

The 1948 is a popular medium. The loops of the 8 are cut away. The dead giveaway is that the genuine “3” has a long tail.

I have a proof set from the early 1960s that is still in the soft plastic envelope. However, something has happened to the cent. Part of both sides and the edge are a different color. Is this some kind of minting variety?

As it happens, I’ve seen at least two other sets with a coin like yours. Check the seal around the edges of the pocket that the cent is in and I think you’ll find a break in the seal. What has happened is that air has leaked in with some sort of contamination, causing the discoloration on the coin. Even if this were to have occurred in the Mint, it still would not have any value as surface discoloration – as distinguished from a defect or change in the metal itself – is not a minting variety of value.

While researching New Orleans currency, I came across a reference to it as the “Crescent City.” Where did that come from?

New Orleans was founded in 1718 by French explorer Jean Le Moyne de Bienville in a curve of the Mississippi River, or Vieux Carre.

Do I need a silver testing kit to show the fineness of my coins?

Assuming you are referring to U.S. coins, an up-to-date price guide will have the information by date and mint, so there is little to be gained by getting a test kit.

How can I tell if a pitcher I own is silver or silver plated?

There should be a stamp or hallmark somewhere on the item. A Specific Gravity test would be your last resort.

Why aren’t there any ads from small collectors for popular minting varieties?

The chief reason is cost. Buying an ad for a single coin is too expensive. Dealers have a large enough stock to spread the cost.

Are all the Bicentennial coins silver?

Only the specially packaged uncirculated coins and proofs with an “S” mintmark, indicate they are 40 percent silver. There are also copper-nickel clad proofs with an “S,” but in most cases the copper core shows clearly on the edge.

If “unique” means one, what does “semi-unique” mean?

Two. The term is rarely used, so you may never have seen it before.

Address questions to Coin Clinic, Numismatic News, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990. Because of space limitations, we are unable to publish all questions. Include a loose 44-cent stamp for reply. Write first for specific mailing instructions before submitting numismatic material. We cannot accept unsolicited items. E-mail inquiries should be sent to Answerman2@aol.com.