Sunday, December 26, 2010

Damage Exposes Layers

Do you have a damaged coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Many people do not know that out current cents are made of a sandwich of copper which a yummy zinc center. So when the top layer is scraped off due to damage some people believe it is some type of error. Copper cents are not solid copper.

Clad cents have been around in the United States since 1982 but few people noticed the difference. Many people have been hoarding the older cents for there tiny copper value but for the most part those cents in your change are a good mix of full copper and clad cents.


At first glance it looks like an error but quickly you see the scrape marks where it has been filed. The zinc layer is nicely exposed. The design is gone. Were this an error it would either have the full design on the zinc it would be a missing clad layer error. Or it could be lamination where the copper peels off but then it would look like a piece is gone not scratched off.


Should weigh 2.50 grams but this one is 2.37 grams.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 1 Cent / United States
Year: 2007
Mintage: 3,762,400,000
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
Value: $0.00 this damaged

That is right $0.00 because it can be refused as cash since it is very mutilated plus the exposed zinc will quickly start to react with the moist air and corrode. I will try to keep it in a cool dry place just as a reference coin but I would not be surprised if it goes bad over the summer.


Do you have damaged coins and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

4 dollars worth, for Comments/Questions click here.:

Anonymous said...

I donate damaged found coins to a local animal shelter. They take them to the bank and get them exchanged for (ok cashed in) for money. they have never refused a coin to my knowledge. I wonder if the bank has turned them down and the shelter simply does not tell me (as I give them normal undamaged coins too).

They have turned in broken coins (a bit more than half the coin existing), bent coins, coins with holes in them, and coins like the one pictured.

Hmmm, I will have to ask them if they do get cash for the damaged coins.

I wonder if

Man said...

I donate damaged found coins to a local animal shelter.

That is very nice of you, from what I understand banks are more flexible in accepting damaged money. The bigger the bank the more likely it can work directly with the Federal Reserve or they routinely send damaged coins directly to the U.S. Mint.

Anonymous said...

I have a nickel that has some of the nickel peeled off or peeling off. Is this damage or is it an error. How is is it worth?

Man said...

nickel that has some of the nickel peeled off or peeling off. Is this damage or is it an error.

Could be damage but it could be a Lamination error on average for Nickels it's about $20.00 most coin experts can tell if it is an error in hand so try a local dealer or club.
But to be 100% sure only grading can tell, but not worth the price.