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5 Posts |
 Posted - 07/29/2008 : 11:42:12
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OK, we all know that pennies that predate 1982 are 95% copper. 1982 saw the production of both clad and coppers. How do you tell the difference? I have avoided hoarding that particular year because I didn't want the clad.
Did certain mints make coppers/clads?
Chris
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natsb88
Administrator
USA
1850 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 11:51:54
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| Weight. Zincs are about 2.5 grams and coppers are about 3.1 grams. You can get a cheapo coin/jewelry type scale on eBay that is plenty accurate for this purpose for less than $20. |
Nate
The Copper Cave
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18 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 12:37:19
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I just flick the '82s in the air. If the coin rings, it's ghetto gold. If the coin thunks, it's junk.
Most of the '82s are copper, making zinc '82s somewhat of a rarity, and I've heard of folks selling boxes of these for a good chunk of change. As we all know, zinc degrades quickly in circulation (does not age well) while copper fully stands the test of time (ex. bronze roman coins still found to this day). |
www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com --- Clearing the rubbish from the road to reality. |
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fb101
Administrator
USA
2856 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 13:09:22
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| From my experience weighing each 82, It's an easy 9 copper to 1 zinc ratio. I found a gram scale on ebay for $15 shipped. It need to be good to at least 10th of a gram. Here's the issue. I get LOTS of 82s, probably about 6 or 7 rolls from every 3 boxes. If time is an issue, drop all the 82's because the time you'll lose weighing them could be better spent sorting. (Assuming your percentages are high enough that you can afford to drop the copper) |
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Steiner
Penny Collector Member
Canada
278 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 13:48:21
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I just bypass the 1982 when I am hand sorting. I think my ryedale catches some of them but not sure. Welcome Chris glad to see you here.
Steiner |
Steiner |
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horgad
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1641 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 14:50:12
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Just swallow the 1982 penny that is in question. If it dissolves in your stomach and kills you, then it was a zincer. If it comes out clean and shiney and mostly intact, then it is a copper keeper. Good luck.  |
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redneck
1000+ Penny Miser Member
1273 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 15:20:12
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Harbor Freight Tools has a gram scale for $10.00.
See if you have a store near you and you'll save on shipping. |
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WheatieFan
Penny Pincher Member
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 16:06:58
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You don't even need a fancy digital scale. You can make a little balance with a popsicle stick or whatever. Put a known copper on one side, and the question coin on the other. If the known copper doesn't budge, the question coin is a zinc. Last (and only) check of mine showed about 80% were copper.
WheatieFan |
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5 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 20:43:28
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Thanks Steiner for recommending the site - great place! I guess I will be weighing these then!
Thanks much!
Chris |
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6 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 08:47:07
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| That popsicle trick is a good one, but before I got a gram scale I would just scratch the coin edge on the sidewalk a few scruffs.....silver color underneath indicates zinc |
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QUESTION ABOUT 1982 CENT
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