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How do you tell the difference between a copper penny and a copper-plated zinc penny?
Well, there are two ways. You could scratch it or melt it over a flame to check composition. Or, you could check the date.
The first US penny was minted in 1793 and was 100% pure copper. In 1856 the cent's size was reduced and they were changed to an alloy that was 88% copper and 12% nickel, although pure copper large cents continued to be produced as well for one more year. The nickel alloy was hard to strike and the coins had a whitish appearance so in 1864 a bronze alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and/or zinc was adopted.
In 1943 the US made the famous steel pennies. These were made for only one year and were zinc coated steel. There was a copper shortage because of the war. There were a few copper pennies made that year also and they are now quite valuable.
Bronze pennies were resumed in 1944. In 1962 the US stopped using tin pennies and they became just 95% copper and 5% zinc.
In the middle of 1982 the price of copper rose to the point where each penny contained more than 1¢ worth of metal. The composition was changed again to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.) So, unless you have a US large cent it is in some way less than 100% pure copper. For more information about US Coins the US mint is the place to get answers. www.USMint.gov Anne
Boiled Down If it's dated 1982 or older, then it's copper ... If it's dated 1983 or newer, then it's zinc with a thin copper plate ... If it's 1982, weigh it -- if it's 3.1 grams then it's copper .. if it's 2.5 grams then it's zinc. Unless it is one of the few mistakes the U.S. made in 1983 when they made about 100 copper pennies that are very rare and expensive today.
What else can I help you with?
What element is found in the us penny?
Copper
Would is better for energy glass rod cotton string plastic tubing or copper penny?
Copper penny
Was the 1903 penny made of metal other than copper?
In 1903, the U.S. penny was made of bronze, which is an alloy of copper (95%) and tin (5%). The penny continued to be made of bronze until 1982 when it was switched to a copper-plated zinc composition.
Is copper penny turning dark a chemical change?
Yes, the darkening of a copper penny is a chemical change. When copper is exposed to air and moisture, it reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to the formation of copper oxide and other compounds that give the penny a darker appearance. This process alters the chemical composition of the copper, indicating a chemical change rather than a physical one.
What mineral that you can't scratch with your fingernail but a copper penny will?
The mineral that you can't scratch with your fingernail but can be scratched by a copper penny is calcite. Calcite has a hardness of about 3 on the Mohs scale, while fingernails have a hardness of around 2.5. A copper penny, which has a hardness of approximately 3.5, can easily scratch calcite.
What is the difference between a 1958 penny and a 1980 penny?
The main difference between a 1958 penny and a 1980 penny is their composition. The 1958 penny is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, whereas the 1980 penny is made of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. Additionally, the design and mint marks on the coins may be different based on the year of issue.
What is the difference between penny stocks and cent stocks?
There is no difference between penny stocks and cent stocks.
Which weighs more a new penny or old penny?
older pennies were made from copper and weigh around 3.11 grams while the new pennies which are copper plated zinc, weigh around 2.5 grams
Why does a penny turn green in water?
A penny turns green in water due to a chemical reaction between the copper in the penny and the oxygen in the water. This reaction forms a layer of copper oxide on the surface of the penny, giving it a greenish tint.
Why does a 1982 penny weigh more than a 2006 penny?
In 1982 the mint struck pennies from solid bronze and from copper-plated zinc. Bronze cents weigh 3.1 grams and the zinc once weigh 2.5 grams. Bronze pennies were discontinued in mid-1982
What is the difference between the old penny board and the new penny board?
Its newer
What coin is made out of copper?
The penny is made out of copper.
How do you tell the difference between a zinc and bronze penny?
A bronze penny has a reddish-brown color due to its copper content, while a zinc penny has a silver appearance. You can also check the date on the penny, as pennies made before 1982 are bronze and those made after are zinc.
What is the difference between the 1911 Penny minted in Perth?
What is the difference between the 1911 Penny minted in Perth? (and what?)No Australian Pennies were minted at the Perth Mint until 1940.
What element is found in the us penny?
Copper
How does the mass of zinc penny compare to a copper penny?
Copper pennies (95% copper, 5% zinc) weigh 3.11 grams. Modern zinc pennies (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) weigh 2.5 grams.
Why won't a magnet pick up a penny?
because the penny can't be magnetically charged.
