Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 11/2/2008

Question
regarding
"Answer
I seem to have gotten a lot of questions lately about these "silver" cent.  First, I can't imagine how you could have a silver cent from 1987.  Even if the cent had been struck on a dime planchet, it would be copper nickel (silver was no longer used on US dimes after 1964).  If your piece is the size of a dime, then it was probably struck on a dime planchet and would have substantial value.  But if it is the size of a cent, the most likely explanation is that someone playing with a cent painted it with a silver colored material and that's what you are seeing now.  If that is the case, then your piece has no additional value. Jim Lawniczak"

what are other possibilities as to why there appears to be silver pennies?  I have one dated 1982 and it is not merely coated with something silver...it is the same color all the way thru.  Thanx so much for your time and efforts...and have a marvelous day.

Answer
One other possibility is if the mint used a cent die to strike a dime planchet.  If that is the case, you should immediately notice that the blank used was too small (the piece will be right up against the rim) and it will indeed be dime sized and not cent sized.  If that happened, then the piece could have some considerable value.  It would not be silver in that case as the 1987 dime was made out of a copper nickel blend, but it does appear silver in color, Jim Lawniczak