If you consider that the US Mint should never have started making Lincoln Cents in 97.5% zinc, then yes, it is an error. However, if you are like me and believe that the Mint made a mistake making Crappy Zincolns in the first place, then it is damage.
Technically speaking it is an error. However it is not a type of error that adds any value and actually in this case is considered damage/a ticking time bomb to collectors in which case they would pay less for let's say a good Lincoln cent variety that has this plating blisters issue. Technically it is a mint error, it's not a desirable one though.
I do partly agree with you on this one. I have many a MS65RD or better ZLincoln from the 80's with plating blisters. Not all of these blisters become a problem, but put them in an environment unbecoming, and the problem will become worse.
I have a 1973-D Quarter, looks copper. Also has a lot of this blistering on it. I thought it was the result of someone trying the make it look like copper clad through electro plating.
pictures?and welcome to cointalk/ by what your describing it seems to be just environmental damage but it could be an error.
No I agree with you. I have split plating examples from 15-20 years ago totally exposed zinc and they are as nice as when they were minted, that haven't progressed. The problem is them constantly getting banged around and touched and wet ect. and they rapidly deteriorate and get worse. Taken care of, protected, they don't get any worse at all.
Common with Zincoln's. Never should have been made in my opinion. What an insult to a very special historical figure, Abe Lincoln.
Both. An error that the US Mint decided it was a good idea to plate zinc for the cent, and plating blisters. Being one of the more extreme examples, I'd certainly keep it for educational purposes.
gas, heat, and pressure are all present when these coins (1982-Present) are being minted. the gas pushes the copper plating from heat and pressure causing these blisters. it has to be a error due to the coins copper-plated zinc make up. what kind of damage causing effect outside the mint could cause the coin to look like it does? i don't know of anything but im also pretty new to coin collecting and learning about coins
I wouldn't consider this an error at all since it didn't look like this immediately after it was struck. Uncirculated PSD IMHO.