Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 8/12/2008

Question
TODAY I FOUND A PERFECT 2006 SHINY SILVER PENNY.  IT HAS EVERYTHING OTHER PENNIES HAVE AND IS A LITTLE HEAVIER.  DID SOMEONE MESS WITH IT?  IS IT WORTH SOMETHING NOW AND/OR POSSIBLY IN YEARS TO COME?

Answer
Staci, since 1982, U.S. cents have been made of copper coated zinc.  Zinc is very close to silver in color.  Thus, when I hear of a "silver" cent after 1982, it usually is because either the copper coating didn't get added to the planchet before manufacture or someone stripped it off.  If the later, you can usually see some signs of the copper coating on the cent somewhere.  However, it doesn't make sense that your cent would be heavier if it didn't have the coating.  Perhaps someone added a silver paint coating after manufacture?  You'd have to show the piece to an expert to get a view of what you have and then also whether it has value.  Jim Lawniczak