1959D Magnetic Silver Lincoln Cent

jrw · 12-20-2003, 04:37 PM

I have a 1959D silver Lincoln Cent that can be picked up with a magnet.
I first thought it was plated or mercury dipped but I'm pretty sure that it isn't because I have a few plated pennies.

If you look at it from the side, the coin appears clad. Copper shows distinctly on the edges. Could this coin have been minted from a steel clad, copper center planchet? Did the mint produce any foreign coins at that time which may have been steel clad?

Has anyone come across anything like this? I can send photos. I don't have a scale capable of weighing in grams but it is slightly heavier than
a 1991 or 1963 date penny on a balance scale.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dockwalliper · 12-21-2003, 08:24 AM

Check out the tread Titled 1964 steel cent in the main forum. Someone suggested that these might have been from some sort of Magic set.

jrw · 12-21-2003, 02:15 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the look. The 1964 penny has a copper outer cover with a steel inner if I interpreted it right. The 1959D I have seems to be copper in the middle with a steel outer portion. I have included some pics (OBV, REV and SIDE) which show the steel clad outer. The copper? inner is obvious in the side view.

JRW

laz · 12-26-2003, 01:42 PM

Your 1959-D Cent is from a child's charm bracelet.I've seen several of these over the years.It originally had a very small loop on it which quickly wears out and breaks off,leaving the steel outer ring on the now circulating Cent. ~ Jim

jrw · 12-28-2003, 10:47 PM

Hi Laz,

Your guess of its origin sounds good to me. I never thought of a bracelet. The only thing I can't figure out is why I can pick it up with a magnet. My other plated pennies aren't attracted to a magnet. But it sounds like you hit the nail on the head.

Thanks for your input,
Jack

Dockwalliper · 12-30-2003, 11:56 AM

Found these for sale on eBay. Looks like this mystery is solved. I think you should purchase this and reunite your 59D with its brothers.

jrw · 12-30-2003, 12:17 PM

Hi Again Doc,

You guys are good. Well at least I know that I only need a few more and I can make my own bracelet.

Thanks for your research,
Jack

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