I just came accross a 1993 penny that has the color of the 1943 steel penny but seems to have the weight of a normal penny -- this is the best way to descibe it. The grey color covers the whole coin. There is no sign of the copper it "should' have. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve
Hi, Three possibilities and we need a picture to help. 1) Struck on an unplated planchet 2) Copper plating removed. usually but not always what these are. 3) Coin was replated after it was minted. Often done to be a part of a plated set of coins. Often seen sold on TV. Thanks, Bill
Having seen a number of these, I would say that the most likely cause is a highschool or freshman-college student coating the cent with mercury (wash your hands after touching!) There are other possibilities, of course, but this is the most likely. As noted by previous posters, a good picture is the best way we can help you.
As foundinrolls says it could be plated post mint. This is a common science project. here is a link to the process: http://www.science-projects.com/Electroplating/ePlate.htm Here is a video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D99qgd8XlV0
I have one of these also, but the one I have is a 1993 cent and it has all the markings of a reg. penny only it is not copper and it doesn't stick to a magnet and it is slightly larger then a reg. copper penny more like the size of a nickel.
This thread is from 2009.. Start your own separate thread. And you need pictures! Slightly larger means it was placed between 2 pieces of leather and gently hammered. Altered cent called a Texas Cent trick.
I have one from 1993... Not steel... Non-magnetic.... it was shiny til I took a pic... In the pic it seems maynr chems were used to deplate it... otherwise I looked like it just skipped the playing process...
I have been tryimg to figure out how to add photos... I've tried from my gallery, messenger and Facebook... It said cannot accept as media couple of times...
If it's bright and shiny, it's been re-plated If it's dark, dull, and grey, it's been de-plated. Based on your description, and no photo, I'd guess it's been de-plated (copper layer removed)