2002 D cent wrong metal? missing copper layer?

That should prove it's plated. If it was a zinc planchet (without the copper plating that is) it would look like the pic you referenced...unless it was an unplated proof planchet, struck with proof dies. This is impossible considering it was struck in Denver.

I say it was plated after minting. AKA post strike damage. It's still pretty.

 

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Everyone just decided to use 2002 D pennies to plate? Makes zero sense. I'd buy that someone stripped the copper and polished the zinc before I buy the plating theory.

 

T

Wouldn't the copper plating weigh .0625? 2.5 grams * 2.5% = .0625

 

The tolerance ( mint specs) for a copper plate/zinc cent is ( 2.5 grams +/- 0.1 grams), so such a cent could weigh from 2.4- 2.6 grams, ( but usually doesn't), also the total content of copper is 2.5% , 100% copper in the plate and 0.8% copper in the zinc core. So removing the plate would not remove the amount ( and its mass) in the zinc core.

What would you use to strip the copper off , but not mess up the zinc? Zinc is twice as reactive as copper to chemicals , so once the copper was gone, the zinc image would be destroyed. I have tried to remove the plating physical when this question originally came up ( can't remember if this thread or other) to see, and even with my jewelry tools could not do so. So no, I would not consider an un-plate job over a plate job.

 

I have came across the same coin is it worth anything ?

 

I have come across the same penny and was just curious why someone would do this with only this penny and put them all across the US. cuz both ppl on here that found them are completely different states from me. Just curious?

 

They didn't. If you do some searching you will find that there are cents reported like this of many different dates,