Can it be the reason 1996 cent struck on an uncoated Zn. planchet is not even close to the value as a 43 Cu. or a 44 Zn. because the 96 was intended to be struck on planchet that's composition has Zn. In it as it's primary metal or something more like there is of them out there which I didn't get the impression there was. I have 3/4 s of the battle done on this coin. I found it I got it authenticated now I just need a big demand and a bunch of money for it.
It's not nearly as valuable as the 1943 and 1944 issue. That's a transitional mint error and very valuable. Don't compare your missing copper plating zinc planchet to those .. Why? Because yours is NOT a transitional error. I gave you the value on your previous thread. Not more than $100.00
43 copper was supposed to be struck on zinc galvanized steel. 44 zinc galvanized steel was supposed to be struck on copper. The 1996 cent is just missing its copper plating and FAR more common to occur.
It's a fun find to have in your collection, especially if it is authenticated by a TPG. The population estimates for the 43 and 44 are what helps set the prices for these transitional varieties. It's difficult to imagine how many partially plated/unplated planchets go through each year, but it's far more likely to occur thus having a lower premium and desirability.
yes this. every year a couple turn up, and then there is a whole slew of them that have been deplated by various means. I wouldn't buy one myself, but if I were in the market for one, there is no question that I would want it slabbed and authenticated to be sure it left the mint like that and wasn't de-plated and Post mint damage. the value being lower on those bare zinc pieces than the 43 or 44, by a lot, it hurts to have it slabbed, and eats into profits if selling, but I don't really see another way to be sure it's not tampered with, buyer confidence goes a long way. I might spend $5 maybe $10 on an unslabbed one and gamble, but I wouldn't pay the $30-$100 or more and gamble on it ya know... I'd need to be sure it was done at the mint 100%, and be good on grade and condition, and that's if I was even in the market for one of them.
I've seen a number of unplated cents during CRH events, fairly obvious frauds. But occasionally, you find some that are either well done forgeries, or the real deal. It's worth exploring here. I purchased an unplated specimen years ago from an LCS I use...should say he tossed it in on a fairly large purchase. He had that cent for years and while he couldn't definitively vouch it was genuine, he has equipment in the shop to determine metal content. No trace of copper and since it was 'free', it came home with me.
The general rule I follow, and have found to be accurate if you have the cent in-hand, is: If it's bright and shiny, it's been re-plated. If it's dark, dull, and grey, it been de-plated.
So 82-84ish In 85 (or so, very quietly) they changed the core composition to 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper to better adhere the copper plating. As for rarity, remember the mint buys the finished blanks from an outside party. They don't inspect them individually, so there is very limited QC. And much higher mintages than in 43, 44... all of which makes a true unplated Zinc planchet much less rare than a true bronze 43 or steel 44.
