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Markgripp Hello I have a 1980 D Lincoln penny that I believe is an off-metal strike error. I would

MarkgrippMarkgripp Posts: 6 ✭
edited September 8, 2025 1:20PM in U.S. Coin Forum



Best Answer

  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,932 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Answer ✓

    Scratch a little deeper and you’ll see the copper

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.

Answers

  • hummingbird_coinshummingbird_coins Posts: 1,410 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't see any luster, just a sheen that hints that the coin has been plated.

    Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
    Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled

  • Morgan WhiteMorgan White Posts: 10,112 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Why do you believe it's an off metal strike?

  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,932 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It’s been plated as a novelty item or a science class experiment

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 11,893 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Plated for sure, see a lot of these.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • MarkgrippMarkgripp Posts: 6 ✭

    But a plated coin from 1980 would be copper under the plating correct? I scratched the edge pretty deeply to expose the copper underneath but it’s the same under the scratch. As you can see in the edge picture.

  • MarkgrippMarkgripp Posts: 6 ✭

    Also the coin weighs 3.11 grams which is the proper weight for a copper coin, which is strange that if it is a plated copper coin it should be over weight?

  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,727 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I hope it isn't coated with mercury.

    All glory is fleeting.
  • MarkgrippMarkgripp Posts: 6 ✭

    Ok so I scratched it deeper and yes it exposed the copper thank you for your time. If anyone would care to check out my other post in world coins I would appreciate it. Thanks again!

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 37,073 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Markgripp said:
    Also the coin weighs 3.11 grams which is the proper weight for a copper coin, which is strange that if it is a plated copper coin it should be over weight?

    Plating adds negligible weight. It's usually still within tolerance for the coin.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Morgan WhiteMorgan White Posts: 10,112 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Markgripp said:
    Ok so I scratched it deeper and yes it exposed the copper thank you for your time. If anyone would care to check out my other post in world coins I would appreciate it. Thanks again!

  • Russell12Russell12 Posts: 484 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Markgripp said:
    But a plated coin from 1980 would be copper under the plating correct? I scratched the edge pretty deeply to expose the copper underneath but it’s the same under the scratch. As you can see in the edge picture.

    I have a coin possibly worth thousands and I scratched the hell out of it.

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