Coin Identifier
Lincoln Cents
1 Cent

Lincoln Cents

United States · 1982 to Early 2000s (Indicated by post-1982 zinc rot)

A very heavily corroded US penny showing 'zinc rot'. The copper plating has bubbled and flaked away, exposing the dark grey zinc core which has oxidized into a reddish-brown crust.

Country
United States
Year
1982 to Early 2000s (Indicated by post-1982 zinc rot)
Denomination
1 Cent
Metal
Copper-plated Zinc

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

A very heavily corroded US penny showing 'zinc rot'. The copper plating has bubbled and flaked away, exposing the dark grey zinc core which has oxidized into a reddish-brown crust.

Historical significance

Since 1982, US pennies have been made primarily of zinc due to the rising cost of copper. When the thin copper layer is breached, the zinc core reacts with moisture, leading to the rapid deterioration seen in this specimen.

Estimated value

Zero (Face value of 1 cent, though essentially worthless in this damaged condition)

Care & preservation

This coin is suffering from advanced environmental damage. To prevent further decay of other coins, it should be kept dry and separate from a clean collection. Avoid cleaning with acids as it will dissolve the remaining zinc core.