Different color of some 1942-D cents?

RWB

Approximately 14,450,000 1942-D cents were produced from the standard bronze alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc during the first weeks of 1942. As soon as ingots ran out, a modified bronze alloy of 95% copper, 5% zinc plus a trace of tin was used for the balance of 1942-D cents. Total cent production was 206,698,000 pieces.

Can anyone see a difference in color between the two alloys?

Longacre

I am interested in hearing people's thoughts. On its face I think it would be hard to tell, but I look forward to reading people's responses.

saintguru

Trick question....one is Mrs. Lincoln!!

Shamika

Given that tin has a different crystal structure (tetragonal) than does zinc (hexagonal close packed), there is likely a difference in the crystallographic cell parameters of the final copper alloy which potentially may lead to a slight difference in color. However, whether or not this difference is visible to the eye I don't know.

LeeG

<< <i>Given that tin has a different crystal structure (tetragonal) than does zinc (hexagonal close packed), there is likely a difference in the crystallographic cell parameters of the final copper alloy which potentially may lead to a slight difference in color. However, whether or not this difference is visible to the eye I don't know. >>




Too deep for me.


Same coin with different camera and lighting, 66RB

Robb

<< <i>Given that tin has a different crystal structure (tetragonal) than does zinc (hexagonal close packed), there is likely a difference in the crystallographic cell parameters of the final copper alloy which potentially may lead to a slight difference in color. However, whether or not this difference is visible to the eye I don't know. >>



This is just me thinking- which doesn't really amount to a hill of beans- but with it being only 5%, I doubt it. Pulled straight from the Mint it might be possible to eyeball it but I really, really doubt it once circulated.

ArizonaJack

Never noticed myself

Shamika

<< <i>

<< <i>Given that tin has a different crystal structure (tetragonal) than does zinc (hexagonal close packed), there is likely a difference in the crystallographic cell parameters of the final copper alloy which potentially may lead to a slight difference in color. However, whether or not this difference is visible to the eye I don't know. >>



This is just me thinking- which doesn't really amount to a hill of beans- but with it being only 5%, I doubt it. >>

When it comes to differentiating red brass from yellow brass, you can almost eyeball the zinc content based on yellowness. But in the case RWB outlines above, the difference isn't 5%, it's instead a small amount of tin replacing part of the zinc which may be something along the lines of 1%. And I agree it's likely impossible to discern.

RWB

The original alloy contained 5% tin and zinc in equal amounts, but the law simply says "5% tin and zinc."