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 Replies: 10 / Views: 15,761 |
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New Member
United States
0 Posts |
Does anyone know anything about a 1974 silver penny. I have done some research, and have read that two other people on allexperts.com have written of this same Lincoln Cent. I am aware of the trial 1974 Aluminum Cent that supposedly weighs about 0.97 grams. I did weigh this penny, and it weighs in around 3.085 grams. It may be difficult to notice via the pics, but Lincoln's head is bigger on the "silver" penny, and I believe the memorial on the reverse is as well. What are the possibilities for this coin?   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1571 Posts |
My thought is that is is un-plated. I don't know how much the copper plating woould weigh, but that coulf make it that much lighter. I am sure it isn't siilver, and it doesn'y look like it is nickle, but you could test it with a magnet, to be sure.
Bottom line, I think it is un-plated. Still worth a cent, even if it is underweight. IMHO.
Dick
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
hmm I thought a 74 was all copper nit like the Zinc coins we have after 1982. I have no interest in Lincoln cents so I usually pass by their topics because they are all pocket change to me and I could care less about them but if I am not mistaken a 1974 was supposed to be copper instead of copper plated and that is why everyone hoards pre-82 Lincolns
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
There were various metals used to experiment with in 1974 (as well as other years, but not as widely known) on Lincolns. The only other nondestructive type test would be conductivity measurement. Copper is 100% on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS), however, Silver is more conductive (in a pure form) approx 105%,(based on copper being 100% conductive). But then again, it is probably an alloy of some sort and not silver. The only Silver coins that I know of that were being produced in the mid 70's were some Eisenhower dollars at 40%. Maybe Aluminum, Tin, Zinc, Steel, or other "white" metals. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
It is almost certainly nothing more than an altered cent(plated, chemically treated, etc). The weight is too close to a normal cent for it to be anything else. It is corroded and pitted so that would account for the weight being off by a hair. Steel or any other white metal would be lighter than 3.085 grams provided that weight is accurate and it probably is since your went out three decimals. Silver was only used in Ike dollars in 1974 and those were large 40% silver planchets, no way it would have ever been used on a cent. BTW,  Edited by biokemist6
12/16/2009 12:20 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
If the 3.085g weight is accurate, that's a strong clue about the composition. That's in the normal range for a bronze cent, or any metal of similar density such as nickel or cupro-nickel alloys. It's too heavy for otherwise magnetic steel, and too light for a silver alloy. The Lincoln experts will have the best advice here, but I suspect perhaps a cast copy in a different metal, or a heavy plating.  Another non-destructive test to determine exact composition would be x-ray fluorescence, but I bet that won't be necessary for your coin.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19948 Posts |
IMO this is a heat-treated coin that re-entered circulation. Zinc and tin both have melting points lower than copper. When you heat them, the zinc and tin come to the surface giving the coin a silver appearance.
I recommend all Lincoln collectors do this heat treating experiment on a few bronze cents so they can see the effect and know when they see a coin that's been altered. Just toss a coin onto a hot stove burner and watch what happens. Changing the temperature and the exposure time produce varying effects. After some experimentation, you'll be able to spot these quickly.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
fascinating explantion--I'll give that a shot!  |
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
In 1974 there were over 1 million aluminum pennies made which were not put in circulation supposedly. One was put in the Smithsonian and the rest were supposed to have been destroyed. If this if one of them it should be worth a bundle. A bronze clad steel also minted, so as reported above, check it with a magnet. Good luck, and hope it is aluminum - but the weight doesn't sound right for it. quay33
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1406 Posts |
I came across a 'silvered penny' not too long ago. After some research I found out that it's not too hard to change the appearance. In fact there is a high school science class project that does just that thing! Check this link out! http://www.metacafe.com/watch/12624..._gold_penny/ |
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New Member
United States
10 Posts |
 Only 6 of the 1974 aluminium cents are known to exist. It is actually illeagal to own one, since it was never approved for circulation by the Feds. If you tried to sell it the Secret Service would probably confiscate it. |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 15,761 |
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Posted 12/16/2009 07:57 am
