Zinc? No Zinc in Dimes. Dimes are Clad over a Copper Core. You can see the Copper core on all Clad coins minted after 1964. This goes for Dimes, Quarters and Kennedy Halves. Definition of Clad Coin. A clad coin is a coin that has multiple layers of metal in it; most current U.S. clad coins consist of an inner core of pure copper, with outer layers of a silver-colored nickel-copper alloy.
The outer layers are made from a Copper-Nickel Alloy. Not A Nickel-Copper Alloy. Big difference. Just so you know. Pease.
Thanks for the correction! That's what I get when I copy the definition from Wikipedia And it's please.. Not pease
Sometime when blanks are punched out of the metal strips the Clad layer is pulled down over the edge of the blank. Which can cover up the Copper core, more on some than others. Dull blanking punches can be a cause for this. Keep on looking.
@Shanequa Young . I strongly recommend getting a copy of "A Guide Book of United States Coins", commonly called the Redbook. It is filled with all kinds of information, like weights, sizes, compositions, where mm are located, and some history. Need to know how many 1852 Large cents were minted, it's in there. Where is the mintmark located on a Walking Liberty Half? It's there Although the pricing guide might not be the most accurate, you can get an idea of relative rarity. Best $10-$15 you'll ever spend on the hobby
Yes and Yes. If you find a bookstore with it, then they'll have it. Check local bookstores (call them and ask, or check online inventory). Otherwise places online will have it, including Barnes & Nobles direct ship purchases. It's normally called a "Redbook"
A few on line sources Amazon, Wizard coin Supplies, Brooklyn galleries Stores Barnes and Noble Sometimes at Walmart Sometimes the overstock stores like Big Lots or Ollie's (or whatever is in your part of the country) has editions that are a year or 2 old for a couple bucks. The prices guide may be a little off, but it's a bargain for the rest of the information. Also, there are a number of diff types. The regular edition that @Clawcoins pictured is good to start. They have editions called Mega-Red. These are basically encyclopedias. A tremendous amount of info, but the regular edition IMO is probably a simpler and cheaper way to start. When members post answer that include weights, sizes, compositions or mintages, I bet a lot of them look it up in the Redbook. That's what I do. It's on my shelf and I can usually find info faster than if I search the net.
