Why is this 2000 Lincoln Cent Gold in color?

Ljr1964

This 2000 Lincoln Cent came as change from Dunkin Donuts several days ago. My dad asked me, "His Expert," why is it gold in color, and I came up with a big IDK.

I have enclosed a scan of the obverse and reverse along with the obverse and reverse of a "normal" copper colored cent. THESE SCANS HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED.

Please advise.

Thanks.

Larry

coinnut86

Well, it could be a number of things. I have a '98 that toned gold in my album, but I also have a '96 that toned gold while it was in my change bucket for a few years, the bucket happened to be made out of some other type of medal.

Did you find it in change, or where did you have it kept?

coppercoins

Some of the yellow cents are a result of zinc planchets melting in the copper bath creating brass, which is yellow in color. Subsequent planchets bathed in this mixture came out of the mint yellow. Other reasons could be a whole host of possible environmental conditions. Usually little or no premium is seen for the mint-created yellow cents, and of course no premium for the environmentally changed examples.

Longacre

Coppercoins is the expert, so I would go with what he says.

Ljr1964

This came as change from a Dunkin Donuts in downtown Boston. Dad "collects" statehood quarters from change and when he saw the color of this Lincoln cent, it immediately jumped out at him and he brought it to me.

Ljr1964

Thank you!

coinnut86

<< <i>Coppercoins is the expert, so I would go with what he says. >>





I just thought I'd tell you about mine. I know the 98 was not "gold" colored when put it in my album

Man

Coppercoins is the best, but all the praise aside.

It looks like those gold plated coins given or sold by low end coin companies I've found at least two gold ones and one "silvered" dime.




Here they go with what I believe is a genuine copper dime error.


Notice the pennies dates are 1966 and 1968, I found them over ten years ago so this type of thing has been around for years.