The environment did it! It's a crappy Zincoln! I've found numerous examples similar to this that were just laying on the ground. Chris
Me too. Zinc is horribly reactive. Once a tiny pinhole in the copper forms, these can get eaten from inside out quite quickly. Horrible coin, but short of making them plastic the mint had little choice given government employee pay and benefit packages and the tiny value of the coin being struck.
Thanks Chris.....I am certainly hoping your right cause paddyman said it's....It's.. Rodent Urine.....I can't think about that without wanting to throw up...
I work in an area in NYC where there are bars that are open late. We had a metal doorway at our freight entrance that was constantly being urinated on by the bar patrons. The metal eroded away to a point where new doors had to be installed... So, There are little crevices and spaces that garbage falls into. Coins especially Copper Plated Zinc Cents end up there. It's and area where rodents frequent and crap and urinate also. When I have to clean these areas I find Cents looking like yours! Same thing that happens to our metal doors happens to the Cents!
Well thanks Paddyman, I thought you were joking but I guess you weren't...I will have to be a little more careful with these coins now....Like not putting it in my mouth like I did that last one......Only Kiddin!
WOW. I say environment too. I see pennies on the beach in this shape and it is from the salt water. Moisture and metal, that's all it takes.
