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Can any penny enthusiats help me out? 1985 D with weird coloring *scan included*

nam812nam812 Posts: 10,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Today I was looking through a few thousand of pennies I have accumulated from pocket change over the last 5 years, and noticed one with an odd color. It is a 1985 and has a D on it. I scanned it in the middle of two other 1985 pennies, and was hoping someone here could shed some light as to the noticable color difference. Thanks in advance for any help.

image

Comments

  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,894 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Copper is wonderfully colorful, even if it's just a coating over zinc in this case. Enjoy the variety.
    Lance.
    Coin Photography Services / Everyman Registry set / BHNC #213
  • pendragon1998pendragon1998 Posts: 2,070 ✭✭✭
    I don't see any pennies in your photo. I do see some cents. image
  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,602 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I don't see any pennies in your photo. I do see some cents. image >>



    Having some fun with the sportscard guy huh? image
  • commoncents05commoncents05 Posts: 10,096 ✭✭✭
    Probably plated. Looks like a chemistry class experiment.

    -Paul
    Many Quality coins for sale at http://www.CommonCentsRareCoins.com
  • BlackhawkBlackhawk Posts: 3,899 ✭✭✭
    link
    "Have a nice day!"
  • coinkid855coinkid855 Posts: 5,012 ✭✭✭


    << <i>link >>




    It looks like you might have a legitimate error!



    -Paul
    NGC 2.1 Census! PM me yours!
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It looks plated to me, not
    the improper 'brass' mixture
    pieces.

    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.
  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks very much for the link Blackhawk.
  • seanqseanq Posts: 8,735 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Honestly, I used to see that color all the time on 1983 and 1985 dated cents back in the early 1990s when I was actively searching circulated rolls and bags. My understanding was that the copper alloy used to plate the planchets was off slightly resulting in a mixture closer to brass. I never found much of a market for them and eventually stopped saving them... of course, that was all before eBay.


    Sean Reynolds
    Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.

    "Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
  • adamlaneusadamlaneus Posts: 6,969 ✭✭✭
    The problem I have with the "brass" plated cents:

    If you heat a cent up enough, you will induce the zinc to migrate through the copper.

    Voila. Brass through the miracle of chemistry and heat.
  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks to all for the comments and help, I really appreciate it.

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