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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;-jeffB, post: 4215149, member: 27832&quot;]When you plate a <i>more</i> active metal (like aluminum) over a <i>less</i> active metal (like copper), the active metal <i>protects</i> the less-active core. You get a more stable product. This is the rationale behind galvanized (zinc-coated) steel.</p><p><br /></p><p>Zincolns do the opposite (more-active core, less-active shell). That&#039;s why they self-destruct once there&#039;s a hole in the copper layer.</p><p><br /></p><p>The thing is, copper <i>itself</i> isn&#039;t reactive enough to need a sacrificial protective layer. Copper forms an oxide layer that&#039;s pretty stable. So I agree that it seems kind of pointless. Presumably the Mint came to the same conclusion. (Also, presumably, there was no lobby pushing for legislation to do it anyhow.)[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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