Strange Penny...HELP!!

angel813

So I am looking through a ton of pennies and I come across the wierdest one yet. It is a 1964 Lincoln Cent that is different in color...almost like a goldish mirror.....and then I find a 1977 one that looks similar...whats up guys and gals?

Placid

Eye strain?

BobbyD

Angel,
I have a few pennies just like yours. Sorry but I don't know it could be other than toning.
BobbyD

angel813

Very funny but not helpful.

ldhair

It may have been coated with mercury at some point and now has toned or electroplated. Its all a guess. Copper can take on many colors. Just the way it's stored can effect the color. Hope this helps.

wingedliberty

I don't collect British, and therefore have no pennies in my collection. lol

itsnotjustme

Your cents may be gold plated. This was often done, and the coin sold as a novelty. No real value.

lincolnSence

or spray painted - my kid had the same thing and when I looked close it was painted

Kejun99

Have you explored the possibility that they may be patterns for different alloyed coins ? ... previous to 82 they were doing a little experimentindg in prep for changeover from the high percentage of copper.. That would explain the '77 but not the '64.... They experimented with the alloys for Silver coins previous to the clad but pennies ???
Ken

angel813

Thanks for your suggestion but no it is not spray painted.

angel813

I am trying to get a good pic of it but I can't find the correct lighting to show the correct color. It is very strange indeed.

silverandvinyl

angel813: I don't have any from the 60's but,I do have about 10 from the 70's and 80's.Most of mine are in the 80's.I have compared these to many other Linc's and the off color ones sure stand out.They sure are different.Your eyes are not failing!!!!!!!

windwhispersintrees

Don't know if this helps you, but maybe it's struck on a planchet from a foreign country?
For example, there's a 1942 Lincoln on a brass Ecuador dime planchet. The coin has a mellow golden yellow color. Here are the details:

"Lot 351
1942 Error Cent, struck on an Ecuador dime planchet. NGC graded MS-64. An amazing error, the planchet is obviously made of brass and the coin has a distinctive appearance quite unlike a normal copper cent! Further, the color is bright and mint fresh, without heavy spots or other problems, just a few scattered minor specks to note the passage of time. There is a trace of a fingerprint on the upper obverse, otherwise the coin is basically as struck. Examination with a glass will only note a few trivial signs of handling, and the surfaces remain very close to gem condition.
It is probable that this error was created in a similar fashion to the 1943 copper cents, perhaps a bin of Ecuador dimes had just been struck at the Philadelphia Mint, then a tub of copper planchets were dumped in the bin for coining Lincoln Cents. Apparently two planchets remained in the bin from the Ecuador dimes, and were struck with Lincoln Cent dies. Records show that two 1942 cents are known struck on brass planchets, and this is one of those two (See Judd under Mint Errors). With modern rarities routinely commanding five figure prices at auction, this early 20th century error with a proven population of just two coins should prove to be a bargain. Further, it fits hand in glove with the 1943 copper cent error, and 1944 zinc cent errors. Employees at the Philadelphia Mint were no doubt distracted with the World War, and quality control slipped a notch. A foremost opportunity for the specialist to purchase a truly rare error coin. This ones comes with an NGC Photo Proof certificate.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP."
--May 28, 2001 The Fairchild Family Trust Collection Sale 10, http://www.goldbergcoins.net