I purchased a small collection and found this 1994 D LMC, that appears to have the copper layer missing or it has been plated. The coin weighs in at 2.5 grams. Now if its plated shouldn't this LMC weigh more? If the copper layer is missing shouldn't it weigh less. Please take a look at the photos and let me know what you think. I'm leaning towards plated because that is what it mostly what these types of coins turn out to be.
Unplated cents generally weigh between 2.42 grams and 2.48 grams. The normal average is 2.50 grams. As with any denomination, cent weights will vary, with some falling above or below the mean. It's therefore possible to encounter a genuine unplated cent that matches or exceeds the weight of a normal cent. Cents that have been plated-over are usually slightly overweight.
The fine streaks seen on unplated blanks and planchets are often not completely erased by the strike. This cent shows these streaks which leans toward a real unplated coin. Since their presence is variable, the absence of streaks cannot, by itself, be considered a disqualifying feature by the way
Otherwise if that is wrong which is possible, then the safe response is that it is a chemistry experiment. coin which has been seen before on 1994 cents since its bright and shiny like other re-plated coins. https://www.thoughtco.com/gold-and-...nnies-605971 This is because it does not appeal as a different size such as struck on a dime blank.
I really don't know much about un-plated coins but given what coop said, the OP's coin definitely has a cartwheel going on. Very interesting coin though.
I feel the luster is a sure sign that this is an unplated plachet coin. I also see some roller lines on both the obverse and reverse of the coin that run at the same angle but reversed.
I have several unplated plachets in my collection that show roller lines, but I don't currently have any struck cents.
Nice error!
ANA ID: 3203813 - CONECA ID: N-5637 Clean a coin that may be worth collecting? Please DON'T! When in doubt, leave it dirty!!
I have never had a Zinc Cent with the copper missing so I don't know how they look and feel close up. Taking the look at the PCGS coin, I don't see the cartwheels/Luster on the coin the copper is missing. This coin shows the Cartwheel/Luster. I am also not sure if a plated coin will show those same characters. That PCGS coin has me leaning even more to a plated coin. Here are a couple photos of the Edge. I am still stumped after looking at the edge. I can't find any copper exposed. Should I attempt to scratch the edge to see if I can expose any copper? If its plated would that work?
I just read this article I can't believe it shows the same year on the coin in the article that I have. It appears from the photo of the coin in the article that there is some mint luster there. As much as I would love this coin I have to be a true mint error. I still don't know. Still leaning to a plated coin. I guess I will have to send it to someone to get checked out. Still doing research to find out what I can about these types of errors.
Quote: I just read this article I can't believe it shows the same year on the coin in the article that I have. It appears from the photo of the coin in the article that there is some mint luster there. As much as I would love this coin I have to be a true mint error. I still don't know. Still leaning to a plated coin. I guess I will have to send it to someone to get checked out. Still doing research to find out what I can about these types of errors.
Mint luster will still be on an unplated cent and is often the best indicator of a genuine example so no worries there. Also the fine streaks seen on unplated blanks and planchets are often not completely erased by the strike. This cent shows these streaks which leans toward a real unplated coin (die flow lines). The weight did not exclude it from being one as well. So all leads point to a geniune error but yes only third party grading will ultimately confirm. Sometimes people here can help save money by giving opinions when something is clearly not what someone thinks it is.
Thank you Datadragon, Your comments gives me a little hope this is a genuine error. This will be one I put in my send in to be graded box. Not sure when I will get around to sending my coins in. There is a lot going around here, so it will be a while. Once I do I will let everyone know.
@ARBY: Do not be so excited. In order to see plated and un-plated, we have to dig in the metal texture, color and metal flow. DATA know a lot but sometimes go to far.
You has the coin in hand. First photos show me mat reflection, second on the scale very brilliant.
The un-plated coins (only zinc), has a matte reflections and some white grains. Those are un-plated planchets. On those coins you can not has brilliance. So look again.
Let me know what you see in hand.
PS: @Data: Do not come for this coin with articles. Go with me technical.
Other point it is: IMHO: Your coin has same texture as all Cu plated coins and this it is a difference.
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Posted 05/10/2023 8:44 pm
