Can Someone Help Me Understand The Variation Of Penny Coloring In Different Years From 1964 - 2009?

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Author	Replies: 8 / Views: 928
bmason717 Valued Member United States 71 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 4:14 pm I know this may seem like a dumb question. I have a lot of pennies and I noticed that when I put them in order of year, they all seem so different but some which are older look the same in different eras. There are 3 in particular that baffle me from 1974, 1975 & 1976 as they all look different. I will attach pictures. Thanks much! Report this Post to the Staff

silviosi Pillar of the Community Canada 6244 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 4:31 pm 1974 was cleaned, 1975 was in open environment and the 1976 was in close environment. Those coins could take different colors upon the time. From pink-red (new alloy) till very dark red-brown. Some between those colors could have some nuances or greenish. After strike the pink-red give the impression of yellow nuances. This apply for the coins before the CPZ. Report this Post to the Staff
JimmyD Bedrock of the Community Canada 21610 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 4:34 pm Once the CENTS leave the mint, the environment that they are exposed to can change the colour. They don't remain bright and shiny for long. Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 96125 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 4:35 pm Copper is a funny metal, it can change to many different colors, from the bright red when fresh whether it be a new minted cent or a pure copper pipe used for water plumbing or to a dark brown to even green (as seen on copper statues (Liberty in Manhattan Sound comes to mind. The environmental factors around a coin will determine what color it takes, such as heat, cold, a dry or humid location affects the color. When it comes to cent coins, other factors come into play, such as handling and rubbing of the coin. Oils and other contaminates will change the color as well. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Report this Post to the Staff
ijn1944 Bedrock of the Community United States 19155 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 4:36 pm Copper is a very reactive metal. When exposed to a wide range of environmental agents, the copper reacts and 'tones'. The nature of the toning can vary--depends on the environmental agent, heat, humidity, etc. Of course, if someone cleans a coin, then cooper can react in many interesting ways. Report this Post to the Staff
Parnelli917 Valued Member United States 392 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 5:59 pm There are no dumb questions. This is a good place to find answers. I've found modern Lincoln cents that were toned purple. Copper changes a lot with the environment, so it is not unusual to see a wide variety of colors. Report this Post to the Staff
Coinfrog Bedrock of the Community United States 94367 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 6:02 pm Copper can take on almost any color of the rainbow. to the CCF! Report this Post to the Staff
Cujohn Pillar of the Community United States 7174 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 6:27 pm to the CCF and And also cents from 82 on are electroplated with copper. They seem to carry more of a variety of color than the copper ones. Report this Post to the Staff
bmason717 Valued Member United States 71 Posts	Posted 02/15/2023 7:05 pm Thank you all so much!! I had no idea how much actually affects the coins, just in the environment itself. I really appreciate all the responses; you all are so wonderful. Report this Post to the Staff
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