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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/2000 penny
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Question
I recently acquired a 2000 Penny that is completely silver in color, there is no mint mark, and there is no damage to it that would make me think that someone has stripped the outer layer of copper. Can you give me a value of what an error like this is worth? Also I acquired a 1990 Penny with a D Mint mark that is yellow gold looking in color, It is in perfect condition and appears rare, could you give me an idea on this one as well?
Thank you very much for your time
Matthew,
The 2000 penny is what's called an unfinished planchet error. Since mid-1982 all pennies are made from almost all zinc, with a thin outer layer of copper. If the blank does not get the outer copper layer, the penny ends up looking like what you have. These are actually not as rare as you might think -- value about a dollar.
The 1990 penny has been baked. When these zinc pennies are heated up high enough, the zinc core has a chemical reaction with the outer copper layer, causing it to turn yellow. Considered altered, it has no collector value.
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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