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 Replies: 11 / Views: 3,900 |
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Valued Member
United States
100 Posts |
Hi,
I have hundreds of rotten, damaged and otherwise unspendable zinc cents which are too damaged for coin counter machines or for rolling (many are just "partials").
I want to properly dispose of them so that the toxic zinc does not poison any animals, humans or the environment.
I wonder if I should just throw them in the trash or dig a deep hole and bury them (I do not know how long the zinc would take to completely decompose/oxidize), or perhaps find some other option.
Any opinions?
Thanks...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1512 Posts |
Sell them as RARE MINT ERRORS on ebay! |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Call your bank and ask what to do. Maybe they will exchange them cent for cent so you don't loose out. John1  |
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Moderator
United States
54280 Posts |
The official procedure is to send them in for "bullion value" "Bent or partial coin is coin that has been bent or twisted out of shape, punched, clipped, plugged, fused, or defaced, but that can be identified as to genuineness and denomination. Bent or partial coin is not redeemable at face value; it is redeemable only at its bullion (metal) value as established by the Director of the U.S. Mint. The Federal Reserve DOES NOT accept deposits of bent or partial coin. " https://www.frbservices.org/operati...nd_coin.htmlSo, I would try to spend them if at all possible. Otherwise, put them in an old can, and bury it in your back yard, plant a tree by it, and maybe someone will find them in a few hundred years. Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Moderator
United States
54280 Posts |
I learned something today. The U.S. Mint will relieve you of your "uncurrent" coins by giving you current coins. "Will the Mint buy back my old coins? No, the United States Mint does not repurchase any issue coins. It will redeem mutilated coins for their scrap metal value and will replace uncurrent coins with new coins of the same denomination. Numismatic items (coins) may be resold in the secondary market. You may wish to contact a local coin dealer if you are interested in selling your coins." https://www.treasury.gov/resource-c...s_sales.aspxShow your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Centurion, Might be a cool experiment to send them to the mint for replacement. If you do keep us updated. John1 |
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Valued Member
United States
186 Posts |
got any pictures ... all the bad ones I get go some procedures of going through a rock tumbler, vise, hand file and a wire wheel for the tough clean off unless the pennies have a chunk missing
the rock tumbler is amazing for those nasty ones. I some times can't tell what they looked like before putting them in
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Valued Member
 United States
100 Posts |
Most of them have chunks missing and are rotted almost beyond recognition, and some even bent and hit by lawnmowers. I always dig them up, but consider it part of the metal detecting experience (just like pulltabs). I am amazed that it only takes a short time in the ground for Zincolns to become rotted, as witnessed by the many rotted 2015s I dug up this past year.
Maybe I'll post a photo of some of them this weekend, while I am stuck in the house waiting out the blizzard which is sure to hit here in NJ.
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
... maybe find a fountain or wishing well and make lots of wishes  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Put them on e-bay as rare ancients . aren't most of them in pieces anyway ?   |
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Moderator
United States
54280 Posts |
Quote:
Centurion,
Might be a cool experiment to send them to the mint for replacement. If you do keep us updated.
John1 The mint only offers scrap value for coins that are current (NOT uncurrent). Zincolns, I believe, would be considered current coins. Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Looks like the U.S. Mint has foisted the 'raw prawn' on the U.S. Public.
'You dispose of them, because we are not going to!' (my quote)
Maybe I am wrong but I always thought issued U.S. currency was a liability on the U.S. Treasury, and therefore, it is their problem. This becomes a circular argument, because the U.S. Treasury is owned by the U.S. Public, at least as I understand it.
Nevertheless it leaves you with the risk of breaking U.S. environmental laws in the disposal of the coins.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 3,900 |
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Posted 01/20/2016 1:09 pm
