2002 , penny, colored like a dime , looks like a steel penny
2006-09-04 12:28:48 · 4 answers · asked by wendythajoker 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Maybe someone spray painted it. You can tell if it's steel by putting it to a magnet, but there shouldn't be any reason why there would be a steel penny from 2002.
2006-09-04 12:36:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several possibilities. Pennies in 2002 were made with a copper sheath over a zinc interior.
It is possible that the copper has oxidized to make it appear silver, although I don't know any specific reaction that would do this. Most oxides of copper have a green color.
It is also possible that the copper has been removed somehow, and you are left with the zinc metal exposed. Zinc is naturally a silver or steel colored metal. I think it is highly reactive with acids, so you may be able to tell if it is zinc by placing some vinegar on it and seeing if bubbles form. You might want to test this first on another piece of zinc.
Finally, it is possible that you have a coin that was minted from a non-standard blank. This could be a penny from a proof set, or a penny that was struck from an uncoated blank. In these later cases. perhaps it does have some value.
2006-09-04 19:36:08 · answer #2 · answered by Carl M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1 cent.
They were silver pennies from 1942 to 1945, because of a copper shortage. They are worth 5 cents a piece now.
2006-09-04 19:34:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude throw it out! Sounds like someone swallowed, digested, and pooped it out. and now you are holding it.
2006-09-04 19:30:56 · answer #4 · answered by Bellina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋