A 1989 zinc cent missing it's copper coating completely. Anything special about it? Does it mean anything? Is it worth anything at all? Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.
They actually could have been plated very lightly or not at all. I have maybe a dozen or so from CRH searches that are unplated. I don't think they are that uncommon.
I've had this one since 1987. When I first bought the coin it was graded by ANACS. I sent it to NGC a few years later.
That's a nice example Robec. This is a great photo that shows people the mint luster which will be present on a true unplated zinc planchet.
Wow! That is a beautiful example of what I've got, but mine is not as good looking as yours. Did you get a potential monetary value for it? Thanks so much for the reply. [/quote]
Antosajr- Do you have a photo of yours. Examples of coins that have been stripped of the plating are all over the place. We can usually easily tell you if you have the real deal, but would need photos.
This is an old thread but it relates to my pic. I think the '83 might be legit? Obviously, the '98 is not. The '98 has remnants of copper, is dull, and it is highly pitted. The '83 is neither too shiney nor too dull and has no sign of copper. So, it is not likely plated or chemically modified. Real? I'd say it could be a circulated version of a minted zinc planchet without copper.
It appears the plating has been removed from the 1983. It seems flat and dull. But I'm not an expert.
The problem is if it doesn't show the mint luster it is pretty much impossible to say if it was originally a non-plated planchet. Because a circulated piece will pretty much look identical to on that has had the plating stripped off and then carried as a pocket piece to wear away the rough surfaces from the chemical stripping. Both will look like a worn zinc cent. I seriously doubt you will ever see an authenticated non-plated zinc cent that doesn't show mint luster. The luster can't be faked, wear can.
My general rule is: If it's dark, dull, and grey-ish, it's been de-plated. If it's bright and shiny, it's been re-plated
