Expert: Joe Hylas - 6/4/2008

Question
I have a 1980 penny that i believe is made off 95% zinc ore, As you would be aware that one cent pennies were produced with copper before 1982. This coin has the characteristics of a post 1982 penny. What would be the value if the coin was stamped 1980 after 1982. This coin looks fairly new and i believe could have been stamped possibly even in the 1990.

THANKYOU

Answer
Hello James,

I have never heard such an error.  However I highly doubt that the coin was struck after 1980.  The only possibility I can think of is that the zinc planchets were in stock in 1980 and maybe somehow one got mixed into the copper planchets.
I suggest you check the weight on it.  The copper penny should weigh 3.11 grams while the copper plated zinc weighs 2.5 grams

That might be an indication.  Certainly if it is a zinc cent, I would be interested in purchasing it at an agreed upon price.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.allcoins.us
800-474-6960