Expert: PAPAJACK - 11/17/2006

Question
I have a 1987 penny that is worn alittle around the edge in spots aswell as across the back(like a scratch) on the lincoln mamorial building, the copper colour has worn off & the penny is silver undernieth. Is this strange or normal? It does measure 19mm & weighs in at 3g. on my scale(electric). I've read about silver pennies people have found that are silver plated, but mine is the reguler penny colour, but silver undernieth & it doesn't ring like a penny when dropped on a hard surface. Any help would be greatly appraciated. Thanks...James

Answer
Hello James,   

The modern US Cent, since 1982,  is a zinc core with only a plating of copper. Its normal weight is 2.5 grams though. It is a white silverish looking metal and the plating is thin enough to be scrapped off. This is probably what you see.
There is help at most large coin shows or any coin shop, if you think it is a type of error. They will help for free when they are not too busy. 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 coins have a plating or residue on them. This renders then worthless to true coin collectors. only if the coins had come from the U.S. Mint this way would they be valuable.
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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack