Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 1/16/2010

Question
I have come across an oddity that begs the question. Lincoln penny, 1984 (no mint mark, Philly)with "no" copper, just the zinc.  The front is slightly off center to the right.  It is well used, however still in good shape.  There are no scratch marks that would indicate someone buffed or scratched off the copper (not worth the time) There is a shinny place on the edge where maybe the penny was dropped.  Can the copper clad come off the zinc?  

Answer
It is possible, though I think unlikely that unplated blanks may have found their way into the mint.  Sounds like yours is a bit off center struck.  I think an expert would have to look at yours.  Little boy curiosity is generally my thought when someone does something to a coin that you'd think they didn't have time for.  Little boys have lots of time, Jim Lawniczak