1942 lead penny

There is no such thing as a "lead penny". Among other things lead is very soft and you'd be able to bend it with your fingers!

All 1942 cents were made of bronze (copper with a bit of tin and zinc). 1942 cents are common and are worth about 3¢ in circulated condition.

In 1943 the Mint made cents out of steel to free up copper for use in ammunition. The coins have a zinc coating that darkened with age, making them look a bit like lead. Depending on condition and mint mark a 1943 steel cent is worth five cents to a dollar.