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Just wanted to know what the composition is on a cent with satin finish, are they copper plated zinc or all copper?
I found a 2006 that looks like a satin finish. Both weigh 2.5g each. Thanks for the help. Will try to post photos later.
John1
I think all recent ( mid 1982 to present ) Lincoln cents are copper coated zinc, with an overall composition 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.
The exception would be in 2009 SOME Lincoln cents are made in the original 1909 composition which was 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, or bronze.
From what I understand the bronze issues would include all 4 proof Lincolns LP1 LP2 LP3 LP4 S mint and all 8 US Mint set satin finish P & D LP1 LP2 LP3 LP4 issues. The regular finish P & D LP1 LP2 LP3 LP4 you find in uncirculated rolls and pocket change are copper coated zinc.
The mint and proof set 1909 Lincolns were made in the original composition to celebrate ( for lack of a better word ) the 100 years of the
Lincoln Cent.Since 2009, all the planchets are supposed to be copper coated zinc.
I suppose it is possible that some of the blanks could get mixed up ( intentionally or unintentionally by mint employees and we could have some 2009 uncirculated intended for circulation cents floating around with the bronze composition as wrong metal errors as well as some more recent proofs if they used the blanks intended for 2009 proof Lincolns.
All of the cents since mid 1982 to date intended for circulation are supposed to be copper coated zinc to present.
For the short version answer ... refer to Conder101's response

I am not one to keep it simple am I?
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The satin finish coins are the same composition as the business strikes with one exception. The satin finish 2009 cents are copper not plated zinc.