Is this really a Plating Error?

I was going through my little sister's change last night (she saved $93.14 in change!), and I found a 1983 Lincoln Cent that either has a plating error, or is a science experiment. What do you think?

Wave over the pic to zoom:



Thanks in advance,
Alex.

 

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It could be environmental damage, but that is just a guess.

Chris

 

In high school chemistry class, we did an experiment where we removed the copper layer from a zinc cent. The teacher did this with all her students once a year, every year. And many teachers probably do this, so there's probably a decent number of those floating around.

 

bump

 

how would one remove the copper layer from a zinc cent?

 

Don't try this at home!

http://wn.com/Use_chemistry_to_remove_the_copper_plating_on_a_penny

 

i wasnt planning on it, i dont want to hurt/kill myself

 

I'm not sure if I'll ever try that at all! Did you hear what the guy said?

The solution releases toxic fumes. If you:
-get it in your eyes it will blind you.
-it you get it on your hands it will burn you.
-if you swallow it, it will kill you.

 

Hence.....the warning.

 

I just found one of those last night. I was reading there was a copper plating problem in 83, but was not sure what they looked like vs some electroplating fun someone might be having.
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