The intention is to make the coin worth more. See the related link to spot a counterfeit coin.
Have it checked by a coin dealer.
A 1909 penny made of zinc is not a genuine U.S. coin. In 1909, the U.S. Mint produced Lincoln pennies in bronze. If you have a 1909 penny that looks like zinc, it may be a counterfeit or altered coin, which holds no significant numismatic value.
A 1909-S VDB penny!
The penny was founded in 1909 :)
Before the Lincoln penny (1909 - when he would have been 100 years old) it was a Native American.
The US Mint in New Orleans ceased the production of coins in 1909. A 1968 Lincoln penny with an "O" as mintmark would have to be counterfeit or an authentic coin which has been altered to show the "O" mintmark. Either way it has no true numismatic value.
The Butcher's Boy and the Penny Dreadful - 1909 was released on: UK: June 1909 USA: 7 August 1909
Most Indian head pennies of 1909 are worth between $2.00 and $10.00. However, if the penny is an 1909 S Indian head then it would be worth between $400 to $600 depending on the value grade.
1909
1909
Where they were minted
The US has minted 1-cent coins since 1793. The answer stating no 1-cent coins were minted before 1909 was incorrect and has been removed.