Starting mid-year 1982, the composition of the cent changed from copper (technically bronze due to up to 5% of Zinc in the alloy) to copper-plated zinc.
What you are seeing is some of the copper plating being worn off exposing the zinc core.
What you are seeing is some of the copper plating being worn off exposing the zinc core.
-----Burton
50 year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973)
Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA
Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, OnLine Coin Club
Owned by four cats and a wife of 40 years (joined 1983)