Expert: Joe Hylas - 12/29/2006

Question
Joe, I have a 1983 Penny that is gold in color, but does not appear to have been tampered with. I noticed the penny in some change as it stood out damatically from other copper-colored pennies. I am a casual coin collector and have been for many years, but I have never seen a copper penny of this color, or close to it.

I have a jpg of the penny I could send you showing this penny next to a standard penny so you could see the difference.

This may not be an unusual coin, but I have never seen one of this color.

Thanks,
Wendell Reeves

Answer
Hello Wendell,
Even a photo won't help me, I really would have to see the coin.  Remember this, in 1982 the US Mint switched the composition to zinc with a pure copper coating.  The coin should weign 2.5 grams.  If it is heavier, that could indicate an electroplating of some sort.
Another possibility is that it is struck on a foreign planchet.  These are just guesses.  It is impossible ti be sure without a physical inspection of the coin.

Regards
Joe Hylas