Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/11/2007

Question
I have a 1988 D Lincoln penny. It looks like a regular penny but instead it silver in color. Is this penny real and if so what is the value?
Thanks: Bryce

Answer
Hello Bryce,         

Is the design very strong and detailed? Is the flat surface very shiny and smooth?  

there are a number of ways this could happen:
There was always the possibility of a off-metal coin blank getting stuck in the bins the mint used and ending up in another production run. (This error would have to be confirmed by  an expert.)

Another possibility if the coin is a cent struck on a different US Coin blank, since the U.S. The US Cent since 1982 has been a Zinc (a silvery  metal)  with a copper plating. This is supposed to be 99.2% zinc and .8% copper. They should weigh 2.5 Grams each and a 19MM diameter.

Only the cent blanks are made outside the mint and the company supplying them could have a contaminated blank in the batch since they are produced in the billions. Also a piece of metal from the company supplying the blanks is possible.

Get a good magnifier and a light source. Examine the edge on the coin at all angles.

If the surface is kind of rough and pitted it may have been in an acid bath.
(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.
It also may have been an UN-PLATED Zinc One Cent Blank that mad it into the manufacturing process.

If you still suspect it to be a genuine error it needs to be checked by a specialist. If it is a genuine error, it will have numismatic value. but it cannot be estimated. And the Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this. If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or an error coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

Again Most likely the copper coating has been removed or the coin has a plating or residue on it. This renders then worthless to true coin collectors, as would a PLATING on the surface. only if the coins had come from the U.S. Mint this way would they be valuable.

I hope this information Helps.

Please remember to rate this answer.

Good Luck

PapaJack