These videos make us more alert to how coins are altered. This runs through our minds when coins are mentioned having an incorrect color. So now you can see why we are always needing more information to relate to new collectors.
Thank you Slamnbass and Coop for the links to the educational videos. If the OP coin was the subject of a similar science experiment, it would have zinc/copper/zinc layering. It was coated with zinc metal which has since oxidized to the gray color. The original copper plating would still be underneath the zinc coating, with the zinc core under that.
I have a similar penny, also dated 1985 from Denver mint. Looks like a steel penny but is non-magnetic. What are the odds of two pennies from the same mint, same year being stripped of its copper coating being found in two different parts of the country?
I'm with John, looks like a normal coin suffering discoloration from environmental damage. Doesn't look like it's missing it's copper, just looks discolored, at least to me.
@skeeziks22: the odds are that both of you have found coins from the same year and mint that have similar environmental damage. Less likely that both are stripped of their plating, but not out of the question. Even if that were the case, though, both coins would be PMD, not premium coins.
Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited. Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use
Posted 04/25/2016 6:02 pm
