I found this 1991 penny, it's got some obvious errors on the letters and on the sides and top of the building. Any ideas? I am new here, I will sureley be asking very uninformed and naive questions, be gentle.
Sorry to say but there are no errors there, just a harshly cleaned coin with zinc rot. Since 1982, Lincoln cents have been composed of copper plated zinc instead of the previous bronze/brass alloy(both compositions were minted in 1982). Unfortunately, zinc is a poor metal to use for coinage since it corrodes so easily. A small nick in the copper layer will start the corrosion process and the zinc will begin to turn into a white powder called zinc oxide. This corrosive process also causes the copper plating to bubble up and in some extreme cases, it will begin to peel off. Zincolns, as they are sometimes referred, are notorious for this type of corrosion and even the force of striking the coin could split the thin layer of copper thus exposing the zinc. Many of these coins are doomed from birth and it was especially bad in the 80s and early 90s. The process has gotten better over the years but many coins still end up turning into junk.
Your first coin posted here may be a clunker but at least you got an education from it Stick around, we are a friendly bunch and always willing to teach!
Thanks for the info, that's exactly what I meant with uninformed and naive, but what the heck I got a lesson for a penny! I'll keep looking and post some other pics to get to know a little more. Thanks again.
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