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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1980 silver looking penny

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Expert: Cameron Kiefer - 6/6/2005


Question
Hi,
I have a 1980 lincoln penny that is silver in color
is this a fluke.  It does not appear to be painted

Answer
Hi Melanie,

It could be one of two things.  Most likely it has been silver plated by a private company outside of the Mint and sold in sets along with silver plated quarters, dimes etc. and then somewhere later in time the ser was broken up and the coins placed in circulation.  It may not look painted but silver plating can be deceiving and is not as thick as paint.  

The other possibility is that it is missing the outer copper layer (genuine Mint error) and is showing the inner zinc core which does kinda look silver in color.  The only way to tell is for you to take it to a local coin dealer (usually listed in the phone book) and he can look at the coin in person.   I hope this helps.

Cameron Kiefer

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Cameron Kiefer

Expertise

I can answer questions relating to copper, silver and gold coins of the United States.

Experience

I have been a collector for many years, and a dealer at shows. I have written many essay's and Money Talk Scripts for the American Numismatic Association and have attended five Summer Seminars at their headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO.

Organizations
American Numismatic Association (Life member)
California State Numismatic association
Western Wooden money club
Visalia Coin Club
Franklin Collectors Club and many more!

Publications
Coin World
Numismatic News
CSNA Newsletter

Education/Credentials
College

Awards and Honors
. 2001 CSNA Literary award. 2002 ANA Outstanding Young Numismatist of the Year winnner.

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