Penny without copper coating Oct 20, 2019 · Came across a 1983 D penny that has no copper on it at all. Most 1982 pennies remain trapped at their table values Dec 20, 2023 · What metals are in a penny? If you’ve ever wondered what gives pennies their distinct coppery color and weight, you’re not alone. Aug 15, 2024 · Question Regarding The Authenticity Of My 1986 D Penny No Copper Plating Error - Coin Community Forum What about the 1986 penny, however? Is there anything special about the mintage from that particular year? What is the value you can expect from this coin and are there any specific errors or details you might want to watch out for? Jan 14, 2025 · Dear US coin collectors and enthusiasts, today I was searching through some coins and found a 1985 zink 1 Cent coin wich seems to have no copper coating. Hi Heather, That's a rather pretty penny and my first wild guess would be that it was done by an artist, perhaps heating the penny to diffuse it's zinc core and copper coating into a brass color, then relieving the high spots by buffing. If so, I want to sell it. Oct 13, 2015 · The presence of such topographical irregularities indicates that there’s a normal layer of copper plating beneath an applied layer of silver, zinc, tin, nickel, chromium, mercury, lead, cadmium Oct 29, 2024 · A. Is this a zinc penny with the copper coating removed? How does image size:3024x4032 missing copper coating | Coin Talkimage size:1300x1687 Mar 16, 2022 · 1982 (Silver) Penny Missing Copper Plating Or Possibly Wrong Planchet ? Silver ? To participate in the forum you must log in or register. Plenty of 'science' experiments done on them. Dec 4, 2010 · It's probably coated or plated. Mint struck these copper-plated zinc pennies at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities during the fourth year after switching from solid copper composition. C. Because of its high demand and versatility, many things that used to be made of solid copper are now being made of other materials and simply plated (or covered) with copper on the outside. **NOTE: Any random foreign coin from the 1960s onward is likely not worth anything beyond face value. In this activity, soaking the penny in the zinc solution actually coats the surface of the penny with zinc atoms. The 1992 penny was made of copper-plated zinc and it was used from 1982 to 2008. Any form of coin cleaning will, at minimum, strip a tiny bit of the lining off. The real value appears in high-grade specimens that avoided circulation Feb 18, 2024 · The first coin has a copper-nickel obverse and copper-tinted reverse. Jul 16, 2021 · Nothing to jump up and down about. its aluminum or magnesium or some Nov 22, 2007 · 1982 Zinc cent missing copper identification Discussion in ' US Coins Forum ' started by Fropa, Nov 22, 2007. Oct 23, 2025 · The 1986 Lincoln Memorial penny came from a massive production run of over 8. It still has all the images, but is a little scratched and could use some cleaning. There are many methods to clean coins, even as […] What is the best way to clean old pennies without damaging them? To clean old pennies without causing damage, it’s essential to use gentle methods that won’t scratch or tarnish their surface. 8 cents going towards the production cost of the coin itself, 0. Expert tips from CV Coins & Collectables in Chula Vista. I got it as change somewhere in the last month or so. You don't want to use sunlight. Anyone know what this could be and a possible value? This type of plating error coincides with the introduction of copper-plated zinc cents in 1982. Jun 22, 2010 · Dimes and quarters coming out of the ground dark is because of the copper-nickel coating starting to corrode. For paper money, please post to r/papermoney. Dec 20, 2023 · This color difference is because copper oxidizes over time, while zinc pennies maintain their silver appearance. Dec 1, 2022 · Discover the 1984 P Lincoln Cent without copper plating. It does have a copper collar. Before, the overall 1982 copper penny value was composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighing 3. They cost 2 cents each to make. But some methods are more damaging than others. Trying to tell the color of a coin in a photo, when there's little else in the photo, can be tricky. The coin features the Lincoln Memorial design on the obverse and is a proof strike type. Post Your Old Times Deniers And Pennies (600-1700 C. The design of the coin stayed consistent throughout the series, but the Mint made several changes to the penny’s composition during this period. These copper 1 cent pieces were produced accidentally as the U. To participate in the forum you must log in or register. has anyone ever seen this before, fake or real? However there’s a very common experiment people can do that chemically removes the copper from the zinc core and basically results in a coin that would look kind of like the steel cent or a silver-colored penny — with the same details and all, but without the copper coating. The coin still has a nice sheen and is underweight (2. Sep 11, 2020 · This page may contain links that result in small commissions to keep this free site up and running. Aug 15, 2019 · If you look at the sides of any of these coins, you should see the copper band around the edge. Oct 24, 2025 · During World War II’s critical years, the U. I have a 1986 copper, D, Lincoln Penny. Normally the best way to tell if the copper layer has been stripped off is to examine the coin for remenants of the copper having been there. And the third coin has an ill-defined copper obverse with no trace of the copper-nickel bond. . Doctors and coroners do not routinely check for zinc poisoning because many don't even know pennies are made of zinc. But the basic problem is that, without exaggeration, millions of pennies have been decorated by, and made 'unusual' by hobbyists, artists, school students Dec 21, 2024 · Re: 1984 Zinc Lincoln Penny without copper coating #27 by Daniel » Sat Dec 21, 2024 1:56 pm Cents are not blue like this, you're using too much light to take your images. Oct 31, 2024 · Find out when the U. While they were originally made entirely of copper, rising copper prices led the U. There is a chemical product for electronics, a solution you can soak printed circuit boards in, and it plates the copper traces with tin, so they don't oxidize so quick. This 1943-D or S mint? See value charts for all steel pennies. mints were supposed to use zinc to save copper for the Sep 19, 2017 · Cents look like copper coating is missing Last week while searching through penny rolls, I found six pennies that have a pure zinc look to them. Apr 8, 2025 · The coin was uncirculated and struck in Philadelphia with a copper-plated zinc composition. No Mint luster, lack of details - an easy call there. Howdy! New-ish collector, first time posting! I came across this ‘96 D which seems to be missing the copper plating. Mint to start experimenting with alternative metal compositions in the early 1980s. U. The second coin is copper throughout, missing the nickel layer of the coin. Early cents were hefty discs of nearly pure copper. This corrosion is the result of chemical reactions between the copper and substances in the environment, such as oxygen and moisture. While it's appealing to see bright, shiny copper, it's crucial to note that cleaning collectible coins can diminish their value and appearance. Clean pennies without damaging the coins or diminishing their value. Such minting errors are uncommon, making each unplated zinc penny a valuable collectible that stands out for its distinct look and rarity. The U. There are multiple ways you can clean old copper coins without damaging them. Apr 24, 2024 · A number of strange looking pennies are described, and possible explanations offered, from amateur plating efforts to mint errors. In this comprehensive Mar 2, 2012 · A penny without a damaged copper coating is safe to eat but about 20% have scratches or flaws in the coating. It was minted at Philadelphia without a mint mark and designed by the talented Frank Gasparro. to me, they look very cool. 1 grams. No copper coating at all. The year of o the copper where they are reduced to metallic zinc and deposited. Discussion in ' Error Coins ' started by Prospector, Aug 10, 2010. The product is a 1991 Lincoln Memorial Zinc No Copper Penny, which is a type of coin that was minted in the United States. ) Commems Collection Canadian: A New Collecting Pursuit - Final Thoughts Walking Back From 1600 With Dated Coins Collegebarber's Dansco 7070 Journey 2004 Peace Medal Nickel Heavily Polished Feb 27, 2017 · 1992 Penny Without Copper Coating? To participate in the forum you must log in or register. 003 cents spent on distribution efforts. People play with pennies a lot. Got a question about coin collecting, or just wondering how much your old coin is worth? Ask away! This subreddit is intended to serve as a learning resource for experienced and beginning collectors alike. The pictures I took of the 1991 penny wasn’t altered any type of way. E. How to Clean Pennies Without Damaging Them: Cleaning pennies at home can be a fun and educational activity. That copper band is the core to which the outer clad layers are bonded. Over time, the zinc coating wears off through normal circulation and handling, exposing the copper underneath. This particular penny is made of zinc coated with copper, giving it a distinctive appearance. So a penny with a distinctly reddish-brown color likely contains a high copper content compared to a grey-colored zinc penny. They are made from zinc. when I checked on line, from what I see, it has value. No copper islands or valleys of missing zinc exist. The composition of a 1986 cent is copper-coated zinc. Worth 1 cent and value decreasing. Sometimes the plating is partially or completely missing, resulting in cents with a silvery looking surface on part or all of the coin. Oct 28, 2019 · 1986 D Penny No Copper? To participate in the forum you must log in or register. Hydrochloric acid had a chemical reaction with the zinc and causes it to oxidize, and the only thing left is the thin copper coating. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. I have found very little information… Feb 28, 2009 · This penny is in fantastic condition but the color is kind of a dull silver. Apr 5, 2024 · Separate pennies by composition (all copper, copper/nickel, copper/zinc, zinc) as different metals can cause corrosion when stored in contact If you follow these guidelines, your pennies are much more likely to stay problem-free and maintain stable surfaces. Sep 29, 2023 · How to clean a penny without damaging it? Pennies get dirty over time from regular use and exposure to the elements. Weighing them won't tell you anything as the plating is so slight that many unplated cents weigh the same as plated ones. Learn how to safely clean copper coins and collectibles without damaging their value. Keys areas show die flow lines. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In both cases, the bulk of the coin was copper. Jul 7, 2009 · 1992 D Penny, not copper Discussion in ' Error Coins ' started by cms289, Jul 7, 2009. Mar 4, 2020 · The two light-colored unplated cents are missing the copper layer, but they have been altered via de-plating. It looks steel but is not magnetic and isn't fake. The composition of the penny remained the same, with 95% copper and 5% zinc, but the outer layer was now zinc rather than copper. penny and I was wondering if anybody had any idea of why it isn't the usual copper color. My theory is that this coin was not copper plated and not that it is plated or chemically effected. Following these quick checks for wheat ear designs, minting date, and In 1983, the US Treasury started making pennies with a zinc core with a copper coating… turns out they weigh less and cost less to make than their pre-1983 counterparts, which were made with an alloy of 95% copper and 5% zinc. 76 cents to produce. As the years passed and wartime needs and economic shifts intervened, the Mint adapted—experimenting with copper-nickel alloys, steel, and finally the zinc core we know today, thinly plated in copper. Created when a penny is struck without its typical copper coating, this coin reveals the bright silver tone of the zinc core beneath. Learn why MS68 grades sell for $20,000+ and how to spot copper errors worth millions. A dirty, tarnished penny can be unattractive and difficult to use in transactions. Many people want to clean their pennies to restore them to their original brilliant, copper color. We have a 1996 penny that appears to have no copper coating. Lincoln pennies are some of the most collected U. It has not been certified by a third-party grading service. ---Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States of America, 1801-1809. That penny you see above is likely made by depositing a layer of zinc on top of the copper with a solution of zinc hydroxide. Re: 1984 Zinc Lincoln Penny without copper coating #4 by Westin » Mon Dec 16, 2024 10:53 pm kurtspringmann wrote: Mon Dec 16, 2024 1:56 pm The most common ways is that it was deplated either using acid or an electrolytic bath, and a much less common way is that that it was minted that way (unlikely but possible) using an unplated planchet. This is a notable increase from 2020, when a penny cost 1. I have pictures. Throughout its history, the penny has played a crucial role in American commerce. I did a video to demonstrate. ive seen enough to lead me to believe that they didnt come from the mint like that. Oct 16, 2024 · Copper and Zinc The most significant change in 1982 was the U. Mint made an unprecedented decision that would forever change American coinage. 1986-D penny without copper coating seems like it would be an easy piece to forge. The silver coating on the penny is t e gamma-form of the brass alloy with zinc content greater than 45%. Wh Jan 19, 2025 · Copper is a valuable metal with many uses. This eventually resulted in the zinc-coated steel pennies that are still in circulation today. Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958) Jun 10, 2007 · I have a 1993 penny that is not copper. This gives the penny its silver coloring. Sep 29, 2023 · Over time, pennies made primarily of copper can develop a black or dark brown coating. Why Are Some Coins Missing Clad Layers? There are a handful of ways that a coin might lose its outer layer of metal. The denomination is a small cent, and the composition is copper. A real missing layer coin would not have even a speck of copper on it anywhere. The rising prices of raw materials, particularly copper, nickel, and Sep 1, 2019 · Without the copper coating the zinc will just react/rot away. One of the most recommended techniques is using warm, soapy water. Being a copper-based coin, it’s color-graded RD for red, RB for reddish-brown, and BN for brown. You can compare suspect pennies to a known copper penny to check for similar coloring. This wartime change created one of the most dramatic value contrasts in coin collecting. So, without further ado, let’s find out 2010 penny errors worth money! Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year) Apr 19, 2012 · This Hub has two separate experiments to allow you to get elemental zinc and elemental copper separated from any post-1982 penny! Check it out! Oct 23, 2025 · Do you love collecting Lincoln pennies? Or perhaps you are new to collecting these popular coins? You are probably wondering if Lincoln cents are worth it. Despite being ungraded and uncertified, this coin is a rare find with multiple errors that make it a valuable asset to collectors. Learn about rare errors, copper penny values, and how much your 1983 Lincoln penny is worth today! Mar 16, 2011 · I have a white 1986 D U. Jun 13, 2025 · How Do I Clean Old Coins Safely Without Damaging Them? Cleaning old coins requires a delicate approach because aggressive cleaning may reduce their value, especially for collectors. ? Mar 2, 2017 · I Think I Found A Zinc Lincoln Penny Without The Copper Layer. Prevention is the best method for keeping coins clean and safe! Apr 28, 2021 · This page may contain links that result in small commissions to keep this free site up and running. Copper readily reacts with oxygen in the air, causing the formation of copper oxide. S. A circulated Philadelphia mint with limited striking quality, ideal for collectors! Feb 7, 2025 · Best Way To clean Pennies Without Losing Value. writes: I found a 1988 D, 100% zinc (no signs of copper at least), Lincoln cent. switched to the copper-plated zinc penny, and how to tell if your penny is made of copper or zinc. This error type is frequently duplicated outside the mint by either plating a normal cent with zinc (or another white metal) or chemically stripping the copper plating from a normal cent. Though pennies may seem commonplace, the combination of metals that make up the coin is anything but ordinary. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be. 1984 1c (right) with no evidence of the plating being stripped or the zinc being damaged. By removing the coating, the value of the coin would greatly increase, but I want to remove it without harming the copper underneath. When leftover copper blanks accidentally entered production lines meant for the new zinc composition, they created 1982-D small date specimens now selling for $18,800 at major auctions. Dec 18, 2020 · It’s a 1996 D penny however the copper plating is removed in the center of the coin on both sides. Any thoughts? Thanks! Nov 1, 2009 · 2002 D cent wrong metal? missing copper layer? Discussion in ' Error Coins ' started by lincolnhoardr, Nov 1, 2009. Sep 26, 2025 · If you collect coins or just want to play a round of penny ante, it’s nice to have a shiny stack of pennies at the ready! In this article, we’ll show you the best, safest, fastest ways to clean both copper pennies (pre-1982) and zinc pennies (post-1982) using common household cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and even Coca-Cola! [1] Note: If you suspect your penny has any possible value Oct 4, 2019 · 2000-200 D Lincoln cent No Copper Plating Multiple strikes Obverse and Reverse? 92Rollin Posts: 121 October 4, 2019 1:21PM edited October 4, 2019 1:38PM in Q & A Forum Sep 15, 2025 · As an enthusiastic coin collector, the topic of cleaning old pennies often arises. To me, this looks like an ordinary cent, with an orange-ish/copper-ish color that a cent should be, so it's a little difficult to understand why you might think that the copper coating is gone. In other wo… Dec 21, 2021 · 2018 D & 2019 D Shield Cent Defective Copper Plating - Coin Community Forum Oct 24, 2025 · This copper coating allows the coins to display various tones ranging from brilliant red to brown as they age and circulate. 2006 I have a very old copper penny, which some collector (many years ago) coated in a silvery metal (I think zinc), I assume thinking that by coating it he would be protecting it. True mint errors where the coin was struck on an unplated zinc planchet are valuable, but they must show specific characteristics like proper strike details and no signs of post-mint alteration. Jan 14, 2012 · Real zinc cents without their copper layer are very similar in appearance to '43 steel cents. Oct 23, 2025 · Our 2010 penny errors list will reveal some of the most valuable coins to look out for if you want to significantly increase the value of your Lincoln penny collection. com. Jul 22, 2025 · Most people damage their coins because they do not know how to clean old coins without devaluing them. Jun 22, 2023 · Pennies have an interesting history when it comes to their metal composition. 9 billion coins. And initially, it was. Aug 10, 2010 · 1978 Lincoln Cent No Copper Coating. Can you May 26, 2019 · Zinc cents with copper plating have been minted since the middle of 1982. Also the use of B&W pics to hide or enhance features should not be done. It doesn't look like the couple of others that I found and was told was dipped in acid it None that I can think of off-hand. Most 1986 pennies circulate at face value today. In terms of condition, it seems that your coin is in fair condition, although it is missing most of its copper coating. Let’s learn proper methods. The usual standard in focus color pics are preferred. Pennies haven’t used copper in decades. These errors stand out for having a pinkish-silver hue rather than the brown copper color. Comparison; left stack is genuine. The edge, the details in the memorial buildind and lincoln's clothes and hair Get the best deals on Lincoln Shield Copper US Error Penny Coins when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. 26 cents towards administrative costs, and 0. This fact makes it all the more important for you to know how to clean corroded pennies, especially if you’ve found a few wheat pennies from metal detecting. However, improper cleaning methods can damage and wear down the penny. Jul 7, 2013 · Question on this penny I found one that's not pitted and also from 1983 looks identical to my 1943 steel pennies is there other ways of removing the copper without damaging the penny? Oct 14, 2006 · Anybody ever seen or heard of a 1982 penny that was just zinc, no copper? If so can you fill me in on what something like that would be worth, B. While it’s technically illegal to destroy US currency, it’s cheaper to drill a penny and use it as a washer than to buy one at the store. If you plan on actually spending your finds then I suggest a tumbler and wait until you have enough that it's worth wasting electricity on. The coin is circulated and has a brown color. This oxide layer appears as a brownish or greenish discoloration on the surface of the coin. Before you go… Don’t let the lack of a clad layer keep you from collecting. But in 1857 it had 12% nickel and in 1864 it switched to 5% zinc and/or tin. Pennies are made from highly reactive metals like copper or copper alloys, so it is only normal for them to get corroded with time. Oct 24, 2025 · Most zinc-colored 1984 pennies have had their copper coating removed through chemical or electrolytic processes after leaving the mint. Specifically, this Instructable will use electroplating to put the shine on your moolah. Most 1943 steel pennies remain affordable 1943 Steel Penny Specifications We often think of the penny as a copper coin. Zinc is far easier to oxidize than copper, so you can do the reverse, hollowing out a penny with hydrochloric acid that doesn't chew up copper. 1 cents to produce each penny, with 1. 5% From its debut in 1793 until today, the penny has quietly mirrored America’s industrial journey. It is the same color as the 1943 zinc wheat pennies. Dec 21, 2013 · 1988-D Lincoln cent missing its copper plating N. Make Silver-Colored Pennies!: This guide will show you how to transform boring old pennies into shiny silvery wonders! The method of choice is, in this case, electrochemistry. A few small areas of copper remain in the raised portions of outside devices. Oct 23, 2025 · The 1982 penny operates as a financial lottery ticket hiding in plain sight—a manufacturing mishap that transformed worthless zinc into auction gold. Jul 5, 2023 · Why Do Pennies Get Dirty? Pennies are made primarily of copper, with a thin zinc coating. Then in the war years (1942 to 1945), the military needed copper for ammunition and equipment so we switched to steel cents: 99% low-grade carbon steel topped with zinc Sep 10, 2024 · Discover the rarity and value of the 1943 steel penny error with no mint mark! Learn about missing last numbers and what makes this penny so unique. 1943D copper penny. Free shipping on many items | Browse your Dec 20, 2023 · Missing Copper Plating on 1983-D Cents In addition to the copper blank mix-ups, problems with the new plating process at the Denver Mint led to some 1983-D pennies getting struck without copper coating the zinc core. In this article, we will go into details about the steps you should take if you want to turn corroded In 1943, the Philadelphia Mint coined 20 Bronze/Copper Pennies without mint marks. Nov 9, 2025 · Discover the value of 1983 pennies, including D and no mint mark varieties. it is magnetic and is exactly like copper pennys in appearance. Mint’s decision to shift the composition of the coin from copper to zinc due to the rising cost of copper. Sep 29, 2023 · This coating, known as the “zinc cent,” helped to preserve the appearance of the penny and extend its lifespan. To conserve copper for military ammunition production, the traditional bronze penny was replaced with zinc-coated steel for 1943 only. Feb 22, 2025 · It's post mint damaged that happened when the rims of the coin where cut, then the coin was dipped in hydrochloric acid. A few are mild enough to count as non-damaging. Jul 6, 2024 · The cost of manufacturing pennies In 2022, it cost about 2. But if the color I see is a trick of the photo Mar 1, 2011 · i have seen new pennies without a copper clad coating. It’s very clean and leaves a ring of copper around the outside and it’s very pleasing to look at. i would like to try and remove the copper layer without destroying the soft metal underneath. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: pennies are made primarily of zinc, with a copper coating comprising around 2. I’m sorry for the picture misunderstanding. Nov 13, 2025 · If you find a 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny, you might have something. Are Pennies Without The Zinc Inside Rare Mint Errors? - YouTube Up for auction is a 1992 Lincoln Memorial Cent with no copper coating present on either side. The 1992 penny is a part of this modern series. Also on the coin is a major die crack situated on the reverse side. Makes them easier to solder on. 43g). zgri sba eazslp gdl hiorlf llvkl fdzb rgmali zoie nhje jphlf ilencjqy vkzsryt nwng btlsd