I realize the likelihood of finding coin struck on the wrong metal is like finding the winning lotto ticket laying on the ground. Of course the exception being the 1943 cent. I have a 1985 D Lincoln cent which would probably grade VF-20 or so but the alarming thing about it is that through all the dirt it appears to be silver in color. 1. Is there anything out there that suggest this could be possible? 2. Is there a way for me to test whether or not it is copper or another type of metal?
It's possible I guess that it was not copper plated and the zinc is showing, but it is highly unlikely. I would say it is more likely that it is just a spot that is worn more than the rest of the coin and a little bit of zinc is showing. You would need to post pictures for a more definite answer.
Not just a spot I will work on the photo but it is not just a spot or a section, but the entire coin, front and back! While I work on the photo is there anything that I can do such as a magnet or possible weighing it. Is there anything I can do to gain a definite answer for myself?
A 1985 cent should weigh around 2.5 grams I think. If it was a possible silver coin, it would weigh about 3.5 or 4 I would bet. Try it out.
The most likely answer is here, a popular chem lab experiment to turn copper cents into silver and gold colored ones. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1262456/make_a_gold_penny/ Jim
Hi, These are copper-plated zinc cents and most of the time, when the copper is missing it is due to what we call environmental damage. They can also have the copper layer removed pretty easily. Thanks, Bill
If it were struck on the wrong planchet, say a cent on a dime plancet, you would notice the sandwich layer on the edge of the coin. Here is a nickel on a cent planchet. Note how the devices fall off the edge of the coin.
