Coin and Paper Money Collecting/miss print penny?

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Expert: - 12/6/2010


Question
Hello, I have a question regarding a penny. It has the face and backing of a normal penny, however the sides are silver and smooth like that of a nickle. The penny front and back are like copper but has a silver swirl to it. Have you ever seen one like this and is it a miss print? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Heather,

If your penny is dated 1982 or newer, then it is simply worn down to the point that the zinc core is becoming exposed.  All pennies made since mid-1982 are made almost entirely of zinc, with a thin outer copper layer, which if worn off will expose the zinc underneath.

If your coin is older than 1982, then I will need to see pictures.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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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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