1972 P Nickel Dime Color question.

Rhubarb · Senior Member

Has anyone ever heard of or seen a Cent with out the copper but having the appearance of a dime or nickel color. I do not have this coin in hand to take pictures but I was curious to know. Thank's

eagames · Expert Member

Maybe a cent on a nice (not oxidized) unplated zinc planchet or a cent on a dime planchet. (these would be mint errors)

There can also be cents that were plated or cents that someone used acid that removed the copper. (these would be post mint)

If you run a zincoln through a washing machine enough times the edge and rim will be unplated. Wink

I think this one had the plating removed. I found it in an 82-D roll and thought it must be real but in the end I think it must have been someones science project. In 1982 when zincolns came out people were eager to see "what's inside".

coop · Expert Member

Depending on year, the case in point that Ed made sounds correct. It couldn't be a nickel as the planchet wouldn't fit into the collar. If it were an off metal it would be a Dime planchet. But the edge would show the copper core post 1965 till now. But here is something else to watch for if it were an off metal?

The lettering would run over the edges or be right on the rim if a Cent was struck over a dime planchet. Weight would also be an issue. So images/your observation might help with your coin.

Dick · Expert Member

Coop, I don't know, withour seeing photos of what he is talking about, but, I have a lot of coins that have been mixed with the zinc, and it leaves a grtryish tinge to the others. maybe it is what he refers. Now the example you showed, Yes, I have some odf them, and can't gove a reason for that appearance, either. Those go with the others, that are unreadable, or returns. JMHO
Dick

coop · Expert Member

Zinc removal can be faked/plated over/removed with acid. But if you have coins that are like mine, then you have some keepers rather returns. It is a Nickel struck on a Cent planchet. (Not just copper colored.) The letters run off the edge of the rim because the planchet is too small in diameter. Making the coin a REAL collect able.

cnladue · Veteran Member

that type of error like you have coop,the nickel,is the only type of error i have yet to find.and i am hoping too!!!

Dick · Expert Member

Carol, I don't know how many were made, and even less about how many got thru, but I would like to find one, too! The odds are very much against our finding one, but who knows? the next roll could have one, but don't hold your breath! I gave up on that, long ago. The errors I have, unfortunately, are man-made, in someones garage!
Dick

eagames · Expert Member

As Coop said these (5c on 1c planchets) will be missing part of the design. Coops coin has the date but it's missing most of the motto. Check out the one on ebay. It's opposite, it has the motto but the no date.

Ones without dates sell for less but still get good prices.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nickel-struck-on-Zinc-1C-Planchet-PCGS-MS65RD-no-date_W0QQitemZ230289066575QQihZ013QQcategoryZ524QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dick · Expert Member

Coops nickel, with the entire date, will more than likely be worth ten times the price shown on ebay, $450.00. That "high
"bidder" lookls very familiar! C******C 340. 3:2 it's a seller.
Dick