While sorting $20 in cents last night, this one (on the right) didn't sound right. Weighs 2.93 grams. The copper 1974 on the left weighs 3.10 grams. Is this an acid dipped-then plated cent, or a foreign planchet, or? (too heavy to be Aluminum or dime planchet) Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Doug
Wow, No one wants to take this one on. With that planchet weight, it makes this interesting to say the least. I really have no clue, but what makes it more interesting is it is a '74. Of course in 74 is when the cost of copper rose to a point where there was 1 penny of copper in a cent and the mint was experimenting with different metals. In addition to aluminum, they tried a bronze clad steel planchet. This is probably a 1 in a billion shot, but is the cent magnetic? They may have tried other materials also. I can also see a scenario where the cent is not authentic and someone made the copy to try to pass it off as a mystery '74 experimental planchet. Like I said in the beginning, I really don't have a clue, but find this very interesting. Just sort of thinking aloud Mike
Hi Mike, Yea, not a lot of replies on this one... Good question on it being magnetic. Forgot to mention it is NOT magnetic. What's wierd, from the last picture, it that it looks like a different color under the nicks/abrasions. Thanks, Doug
The tolerances for a 3.11 gram 1974 cent is +/- 0.13 grams so a minimum weight could be 2.98 grams to max of 3.24 grams. Although the weight usually stays close to 3.11, it doesn't take much wear to remove some weight. For instance, if you have a packet of splenda, it weighs 1 gram. Open it up and divide it into 10 little piles and that is .10 gram. Copper is much denser, so the amount would appear extremely small. I think the damage near the ear and some corrosion, could have accounted for the low weight. IMO. Jim
I have one here as well 1974 d 2.93 grams with no damage to associate with weight loss? Is there something to this with more popping up with that weight?
I also have a 1974 d penny that is 2.93 grams...Is there something to this now that more are being found?
It looks like it’s minted on a slightly thin planchet. This happens at times but it’s really not a big deal. If it is thin it was probably within tolerance until it was circulated. Now the wear from circulation must be taken into account for its light weight. Also, how accurate is your scale? The slightest difference can be a problem.
