Can you tell the difference between a 2009 95% copper cent & one that is not.

I just noticed that the 2009 uncirculated coin set has a 95% copper cent in it. Can you tell the difference between that one and the one, I guess that is in circulation, and what is that one made of? I hope I made this clear. Thanks

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Clear to me, Ed. And it's pretty easy too. Weigh the two coins. The brass (Mint Set) coin will weigh more.

If you use a simple balance, you can put any 1990s cent on one side and your test cent on the other. If they balance, it is a circulation strike. If the 2009 is heavier, then it is a brass (Mint Set) coin.

 

Is it brass or copper in the unc mint set? Thanks

 

it's technically brass as it is an alloy rather than 100% copper

 

Try this reference. http://www.lincolncentresource.com/smalldates/1982.html

It should be just like telling the difference between the 1982 copper and zinc cents

 

Another quick way I've found is to wave them one at a time past the coil of a metal detector.If you have access to one.

 

It's technically bronze. Bronze is an alloy that contains copper and tin whether there are other metals or not. An alloy of copper and zinc is brass. Brass can have other metals as well unless one of those metals is tin. If tin is included it is a bronze.

 

A very, very experienced Lincoln person can tell "most of the time"

A very, very experienced Lincoln person can tell "most of the time" (copper form zinc) but on the new ones it would have more to do with the satin surfaces/strike which also requires some knowledge that many just do not have.
I'm speaking of crazy folks like me that look at 100's of thousand Lincoln's each year.
Your not going to see many 2009 in circulation (the original composition) so they got to come from mint or proof sets.
The mint set 2009 Lincoln's have a subdued look compared to buisness strikes and a little higher rim. They (org. comp.) are not as glossy and do not have that sheen.
It would be difficult for anyone other than a very experienced Lincoln collector to be able to tell the original composition from others IMO.
Heck most have trouble telling large date from small so or the 1982 copper verses zinc. Those of us who can just have looked at so many the look, the feel, the weight - we know 99% of the time when we pick up one or the other - we just know.
Again there is no way to convey that type knowledge other than do what we do or, "you know when you know" and that will not help this poster.

 

I stand corrected conder, thank you for clearing that up

 

Interesting.
I don't collect modern coins so I wasn't even aware that there were two different metal types in 2009.
That's why I come here often.

 

This is true. When I was in college I gave a speech on the topic of corrosion as it relates to brass. The effect is called the dezincification of brass. Try saying that word 25+ times in a speech.

 

I'd have to say, just looking at the two different cents (plated & satin), the difference is like night & day. Due to the matte finish and metal composition, the satin is a different color and since it's struck with more pressure than business strikes, exhibits greater detail. Most satins even have a wire rim - if they were made any better they'd have to be called matte proofs.

 

the mint set ones are satin finish

 

Theoretically, the surfaces should have the same composition. The zinc pennies are coated with pure copper.

 

It's very difficult to tell the difference with nice mint state examples because both have copper surfaces. But the test of time takes its toll on the zinc cents. The zinc cents, in my experience, do not tone well and often have spotting and corrosion. The 95% copper cents tone to a nice chocolate brown.

Also, you can do the "ring" test. Toss a copper cent onto a table and it makes a nice ringing sound. The zinc cents sound more like a thud. And maybe it's just my imagination, but when I pick up a copper cent, it feels a bit more weighty, more hefty, than the zinc cent.

Steve

 

This is all very true, but I don't know if you want to be dropping a nice, new coin that is going into your collection onto a hard surface. It does work though, I've tried it!

 

.....i think it's safe to say you can't tell by the spotting! since it's an equal opportunity

occurrence.

 

And the 2009-S Proof are the only 90% .the others even the roll from the mint LP-1-4:kewl:are clad

 

It's not difficult at all with the 2009, a walk in the park!

It's not difficult at all with the 2009 cents, like a walk in the park!
They look different, are struck different, have different planchets, different dies, different weights and different states of preservation as different as night and day. In fact there is no comparison at all except for designe, size and face value.