How do you know if a penny is a shell case penny?

Answer 1

Shell case pennies are almost identical to regular pennies but contain less zinc. The only two ways to identify the shell case penny and first is to weight them in reference to a normal penny which will be a little lighter because of the higher zinc content. They will also have a much browner tone not reddish. There is no real difference in value just interesting.

Answer 2

Salvaged shell cases were used to make Lincoln cents from 1944 through 1946.