1980-D Lincoln Penny Non Copper - Slightly Rotated Dies

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 10,732
OcalaFlorida Pillar of the Community United States 2824 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:30 pm I found this weird 1980-d Lincoln Penny it is silver/steel in appearance looks to have no Copper. The Back Slightly Rotated by about 15 degree turned Die. I am thinking a unplated planchet from the mint because it in 1980 the penny was solid copper and zinc pennies started being produces in 1982. I am confused? I do need a scale I the coin weighs 3.11 grams or more, it is plated and is worthless. If the coin weighs less than 3 grams is it a plachet? brown in photo is only in scan, is not there under loop with light or by eye. side of coin complete silver-ish as well. Any ideas? Report this Post to the Staff

jay4202472000 Pillar of the Community United States 853 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:44 pm Before 1982 all cents were made of a solid copper alloy of 95% copper & 5% tin & zinc. They weren't plated at the mint like some 1982s and all after. The coin was either plated outside the mint or a science experiment more than likely. A normal copper cent weighs 3.11g. If you can get a weight to 0.01g, the guys on here can help you narrow it down. There are some rare occurrences where coins were struck on planchets made from different stock. It is very rare though. An accurate weight will tell a lot. My guess is science experiment. I've found a couple and we did this when I was in 8th grade I think. Report this Post to the Staff
Nic O New Member United States 20 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:45 pm This wouldn't be an unplated cent, as all Lincoln cents prior to 1982 were 95 percent copper, 5 percent zinc, as you mentioned. What you have is actually a common science project. These "silver-plated" and even "gold-plated" pennies pop up pretty frequently. Check out this video from About.com on the project itself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yyWKrZh7_0 I hope that helps! Report this Post to the Staff
jay4202472000 Pillar of the Community United States 853 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:46 pm I think I see copper bleeding through on the shoulder. Report this Post to the Staff
Nic O New Member United States 20 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:50 pm I do too, Jay. I'm settled on science experiment. Report this Post to the Staff
OcalaFlorida Pillar of the Community United States 2824 Posts	Posted 02/11/2014 10:55 pm Thanks Jay and Nic I will get a scale will come in handy, but most likely it is a plated penny. I will weight it to see. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 5 / Views: 10,732

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