1972-D Aluminum cent ?

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  • Joe
    • Apr 2026

    #1

    1972-D Aluminum cent ?

    I was going through my change and looking at it with a 16X loop around the D looks like aluminum where the coating has flaked away. Not a good picture but it also feels lite. Did they coat the aluminum cents or not and how can I tell if it is? Any help would be great.
    Thanks

    Last edited by jcuve; 11-14-2012, 09:20 PM.
  • Joe

    #2
    Thanks, Maybe one of these days I will have to get a digital microscope with a camera and a scale. I think I will just hang on to it for now till I can get weights on it.

    Just keep swimming.

    Comment

    • jcuve
      Moderator, Die & Variety Expert
      • Apr 2008
      • 15458

      #3
      Aluminum cents were experimental - they were not coated. Your coin is not likely to have such an exotic origin. Maybe it is a slight lamination defect, where the underlying copper now exposed seems brighter? Or something got on the coin? And feeling light means nothing - weigh the coin with a scale.

      I see nothing in the photo - sorry.



      Jason Cuvelier


      MadDieClashes.com - ErrorVariety.com
      TrailDies.com - Error-ref.com - Port.Cuvelier.org
      CONECA

      (images © Jason Cuvelier 2008-18)___________________

      Comment

      • onecent1909
        Wrong Design Die Expert
        • Feb 2012
        • 2597

        #4
        The aluminum cents that the US mint made and gave to congress were 1974 minted.in Philadelphia
        nothing that I know of in 1972 at Denver...They (1974 aluminum cents) were not coated with copper...

        as far as I know the zinc mixed with copper (pre 1983 cents) would be mixed and not showing a different "shade" of coloring as Zinc or aluminum ....

        the 1943 cents were zinc covered steel cent and attracted to a magnet...

        your coin COULD be a novelty coin that was plated after the fact (think toy or monopoly money)...but usually looks crude...yours looks better...but cant exactly tell with your pic

        ..I do not have a good scale...But if you are good friends with a Pharmacist at a local store ask them to weigh a 1972 cent and your cent... see how close they are...if it is far off...I would re post and someone could get you in contact with Mike Diamond or someone better able to answer a wrong composition question...

        info that I have shows US mint striking aluminum coins in 1972 and 1973 for Nepal..highly unlikely as these coins were left aluminum in color...
        I see nothing special about your coin
        good luck
        Last edited by onecent1909; 11-14-2012, 09:47 PM.
        Member: Florida State representative for the ANA, Florida state representative for CONECA, F.U.N. and the Ocala Coin Club

        Comment

        • willbrooks
          Die & Design Expert, LCF Glossary Author

          • Jan 2012
          • 9477

          #5
          Originally posted by simonm
          If it was an aluminum cent, such as the ones struck in 1943, it would be attracted to a magnet.

          Are you sure about this information? I've always thought aluminum was non-magnetic and that 1943 cents were made from steel.
          All opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by willbrooks or his affiliates. Taking them may result in serious side effects. Results may vary. Offer not valid in New Jersey.

          Comment

          • trails
            Moderator, Error Expert
            • Feb 2008
            • 3358

            #6
            as far as I know the zinc mixed with copper (pre 1983 cents) would be mixed and not showing a different "shade" of coloring as Zinc or aluminum ....

            While the above statement is basically true, there are exceptions.



            BJ Neff
            ANA, CCC, CONECA, FUN, Fly-In-Club, NLG & "The Error-Variety Education Consortium"

            Comment

            • Maineman750
              Administrator

              • Apr 2011
              • 12079

              #7
              I'm with Jason...get an accurate weight so we don't spend too much time speculating
              https://www.ebay.com/sch/maineman750...75.m3561.l2562

              Comment

              • simonm
                Member
                • Sep 2010
                • 6398

                #8
                Originally posted by willbrooks
                Are you sure about this information? I've always thought aluminum was non-magnetic and that 1943 cents were made from steel.
                Obviously I need to go back and think about that one...thanks for correcting me Will.
                My old coin album.

                Comment

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