Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/20/2008

Question
Hello! I have a 1966 penny that actually looks like a nickle.There is a trace of
copper on the inside of the outer edge but the rest of i, including the outer
edge look just like a nickle. Is there any value to it?


Answer
Hello jacqueline,                                            

It is likely just a novelty not a collector’s item. The US Mint didn’t strike it like this.

For testing, first check the specifications on the coin. 3.11 grams and 19mm round diameter. If it is anything else and we don’t have a cent blank used here.

If the coin is the correct size and within the weight tolerances of a normal cent there are a few possibilities on how this happened.

It may be polished after the coin left the mint. With certain polishing mediums a silver look can be achieved. I have even seen cents cleaned in silver cleaners that change their color to silver hues.

Or it was more probably plated with nickel or chrome. Copper takes plating well but if you magnify the (fillets) area where the raised lettering is you will find a build-up of the plating material.  

Things like plated or any altered coin are worthless to collectors.  Most coin shops and all coin Shows Large or small will have people knowledgeable enough to identify this piece for you at no charge.

If you need to locate a coin shop in your area write me back, give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes. I will refer you to a coin man in your area.

I hope this information helps.

Thank You and Good Luck