Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/27/2007

Question
I have a 1984 penny that is about the size of a dime.  It is has a gray look to it in spots.  I can't tell if it is just worn or if that is the way it was made.  I can't tell if it has an "S" or "D" under the year.  It has has a "lip" around the edge.  It also has a gray tint on the edge/side.  Again, not sure if that is due to aging.  Just wondering if you have seen anything like this or if you have a value of it.

Thanks,
Melody

Answer
Hello Melody,                          

Because it’s the size of a dime it is puzzling.
Dimes weigh 2.27 grams and measure 17.9 mm with a reeded edge. Cents weigh 2.5 grams and a 19mm diameter with a smooth edge.

If the coin meets the Dimes specifications it is collectable and needs to be evaluated by an experienced coin person.  It is not unheard of for a ONE CENT coin to be punched into a TEN CENT coin blank.

If the image is still sharp it sounds like it is a cent that has lost some plating. Since 1982 the USA one cent coin is made of all zinc with only a plating of copper. It is not usually removed by normal wear but a bad plating job will chip and peel.
If the surface is kind of rough and pitted it may have been in an acidic environment and the copper was damaged and removed.
(Perhaps in a plating shop where they strip chrome and nickel plating all day.) Also someone may have plated the coin. Usually an error leaving the mint is fairly well struck.

I hope this information Helps.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack