so recently i came across a 1983 penny that is a very nice looking penny but it has a blue green spot on the reverse top. I read that there has been some 1983 coppers found so i was wondering if this might be one. I have no scale but the blue green spot looks like versilis which would lead me to belive it is a copper penny. Thanks for the help. The black on the bottom of reverse comes off its some old gum i belive.
Verdigris? This is a zinc coin. 1 1982-D small date copper has been found. And I think only 1 1983-D copper has been found. (But maybe I am mistaken.) But several others from later years have been found also. (89-D, etc.)
Here is the deffinition..... Verdigris is the common name for a greenpigment the natural patina formed when copper, brass or bronze is weathered and exposed to air or seawater over a period of time.
We know what it is and I assume Mike was just trying to clarify as well as ensure that you did as well. That said there really isn't anything you can do to return the areas in question to their original appearance, but don't be afraid to experiment on nothing coins. As for the copper vs. zinc issue, your coin does appear to have that Zincoln "look", but weighing it on a proper scale would give you a definitive answer. So-called "copper" cents will weigh 3.1g vs. 2.5 for those of zinc. Good luck!
The normal cent for 1983 were zinc core with a thin layer of pure copper over it. So greenish deposits only shows verdigris on the outer plating. Weighing is necessary for what you are asking. Since it probably only worth a cent either save it in a zip lock bag until you can weigh it, or let it continue corroding and when it penetrates the copper, you will have zinc rot beneath the shell. I though I saw some zinc in the green, but maybe not yet. Jim
Thank you. I appriciate the feedback. I also appoligize if it looked as if i was being smart an anyway. That was not my intent. Thanks again guys.
Misunderstandings are a common occurrence here so sometimes it's best to try to head them off. All is well.