1985 D Cent Is This Zinc Rot? - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,214
demelone Valued Member United States 137 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 10:29 am It looks like only some numbers and letters were attacked - kinda looks like somebody zapped them with a laser. The S and last T in Trust, the 5 in 1985 and the mint mark all have their centers eaten away. I would guess that the stamping process makes the edges of the letters more rigid while leaving the surface of the centers thinner and more susceptible to rot. Is this thought correct, or is there more to it the process? Report this Post to the Staff

Coinfrog Bedrock of the Community United States 94367 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 10:30 am That is indeed zinc rot (very broad term). to the CCF! Report this Post to the Staff
John1 Moderator United States 56855 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 10:34 am It is zinc rot, but also caused by the wrapping/counting machine damage. John1 Report this Post to the Staff
ijn1944 Bedrock of the Community United States 19164 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 10:42 am Yes. Zinc rot. A number of factors come into play. A common one is that sharp, raised detail (like letters and numbers) is subject to increased wear early in the life of the coin. Once the copper plating is breached, rot is ready to do its thing. Also, the environment the coin has been in--warm humidity, etc.--can help give the rot a head start when the copper layer is compromised. As you noted, the striking process--depending on the integrity of the planchet--can influence the beginning of rot action. Coin rolling machines can weaken or strip copper plating in the outer reaches of the coin too. I come across many rot disasters, and I also come across many circulated 1983-early 90s memorial cents--with no hint of rot. Edited by ijn1944 07/07/2019 10:44 am Report this Post to the Staff
demelone Valued Member United States 137 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 11:22 am Thank you everyone for the helpful information. Report this Post to the Staff
Errers and Varietys Bedrock of the Community United States 74299 Posts	Posted 07/07/2019 11:32 am Yep, zinc rot for sure. Safe to spend, since it's not a mint error. Errers and Varietys. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,214

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