Interesting coinstar find

Rob85635

I found an interesting penny today. It appears gold plated and is dated 1980. I was assuming some very bored person simply gold plated a penny but this coin is magnetic. Well, slightly magnetic anyway. When I use my neodymium magnet on it, the coin sticks, but it only sticks lightly. I can very easily pull it off and it almost will fall off on its own. In the same coinstar I found a Canadian dime which sticks like glue to the magnet.

Does the process of plating the coin make it slightly magnetic or do you think there is something under the coin that is magnetic? I am at work and don't have my scale it the weight is close to another penny.

AUandAG

good question.
bob

PS: what the heck kind of magnet is that?

Rob85635

Neodymium magnets are just basically SUPER magnets. I don't know the exact manufacturing process but they are easily purchased on Amazon, Ebay, etc. The one I keep with me at all times is stuck to my pocket knife and is an old hard drive magnet. They are very handy to have with you. When I yard sale it makes it easy to identify ferrous metals. They snap right to the magnet and don't want to let go. The larger ones can actually be dangerous if you are not careful. I have gotten pinched real hard before and it really hurts.

rte592

Yes the plating process will make something slightly more magnetic.
Specially when you plate with nickel then chrome.

Rob85635

@rte592 said:
Yes the plating process will make something slightly more magnetic.
Specially when you plate with nickel then chrome.

Which leads to my next question... Why would anyone waste time/resources plating a 1980 penny?

mannie gray

@Rob85635 said:

@rte592 said:
Yes the plating process will make something slightly more magnetic.
Specially when you plate with nickel then chrome.

Which leads to my next question... Why would anyone waste time/resources plating a 1980 penny?

Who knows, but I have seen a large number of plated cents and other denominations as well.

ricko

Likely a nickel plating ... was probably a promotional coin of some sort... nickel is mildly magnetic. Cheers, RickO

davewesen

@Rob85635 said:

@rte592 said:
Yes the plating process will make something slightly more magnetic.
Specially when you plate with nickel then chrome.

Which leads to my next question... Why would anyone waste time/resources plating a 1980 penny?

Why would anyone buy statehood quarters that are gold and platinum plated?

WoodenJefferson

@Rob85635 said:

@rte592 said:
Yes the plating process will make something slightly more magnetic.
Specially when you plate with nickel then chrome.

Which leads to my next question... Why would anyone waste time/resources plating a 1980 penny?

It could have very well been used as a 'coupon' for a plating process where you don't ant to test on the actual part you want to plate, just use a copper cent and for a test.