2000 P Sacagawea (Strange/Amazing Petipa, Color, And Texture)

Why do copper cents come in all different colors and tones? Copper is a reactive metal and it tends to readily form oxides, carbides, sulfides and other compounds on its surface. The componds have different colors and differences depending on their thicknesses. These coatings can also be varied by circulation wear after they formed. Typically with lightened areas on the high relief areas. The manganese brass these coins were made from is even more reactive. One interesting thing is that if the coin continues to circulate it can even take on a silverish color.