How can I tell if a Cent is Copper Alloy?

[coppercoins]

I would have to say weight is the only accurate way that works for everybody. I hear a lot of other methods discussed here, but would any of you buy a copper 1983 cent based on the OP's opinion of how it sounds or looks ?

No, but I also wouldn't buy one based on the accuracy of THEIR scale. Basically if I were to fork out the money for one of those, it would be slabbed, and at that point the weight and sound are somewhat impossible to test.

With regard to the sound of zinc cents versus brass composition cents - my accuracy is 100% with this method.

[coppercoins]

Additionally, while the price of digital scales has come down significantly over the years (I remember when one accurate to the tenth of a gram was over $500), they are still an item that most collectors do not have. Most people have hearing good enough for a quick drop-test...and a little practice goes a long way.

[admrose]

Another way to test is

1) dig a hole in the ground
2) bury it
3) dig it up a year from that date

If its still resembles a cent, it's copper

[willbrooks]

For speed's sake, I use the drop test when searching, but I have my scale on hand for confirmation. You can buy an accurate scale for around 10 dollars, so it really is something every serious searcher should have in their arsenal in my opinion. Sure, it isn't absolutely necessary for differentiating copper and zinc planchets, but it comes in handy for gauging planchets from rolled-thin and rolled-thick stock, as well as other compositional errors.

[Maineman750]

Most people have hearing good enough for a quick drop-test...and a little practice goes a long way.

Huh ? There are quite a few guys my age that were exposed to guns,cars,loud music,etc....and we can't hear high pitched sounds very well at all....and our favorite one liner about hearing is....Huh?

[georoxx]

...and we can't hear high pitched sounds very well at all....

...and this comes in very handy when ignoring my GF.

[JC Stevens]

Additionally, while the price of digital scales has come down significantly over the years (I remember when one accurate to the tenth of a gram was over $500), they are still an item that most collectors do not have. Most people have hearing good enough for a quick drop-test...and a little practice goes a long way.

Oh to be "most" people again.

[coppercoins]

I have been through my share of hearing damage over the years, and I can still hear the difference without a problem.

[JC Stevens]

I have been through my share of hearing damage over the years, and I can still hear the difference without a problem.

Stay away from Grandkids with Guitars!!!

[Maineman750]

I have been through my share of hearing damage over the years, and I can still hear the difference without a problem.

Consider yourself lucky...heck, I can't even hear the microwave beep when it's done...but, like George mentioned, it's great for ignoring spouses,daughters,etc...you can get away with a lot of "I didn't hear you"

[coppercoins]

Stay away from Grandkids with Guitars!!!

I had a teenage son with a guitar...and served in Desert Storm, which ended up giving me service connected disability for my hearing.

But, eh...each is to his own. Anyone who wants to go weighing a bunch of pennies to sort them by metal - knock yourself out.

[newmoneypicker]

thanks for the insight this thread was very informative. so anything post 83 copper is a diamond in the ruff?

[newmoneypicker]

Ok so lets say I have a 1982 cooper penny or a 1960 copper penny are they worth anything or even collecting?

[newmoneypicker]

my bad so anything after 1983 in copper is worth collecting.. I think Im getting hip to this some what.

[coppercoins]

NORMAL composition of Lincoln cents:

1909-1962 (except 1943-1947) : French Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)
1943: Steel plated in zinc.
1944-1947: Shellcase bronze (95% copper, 5% brass and other elements)
1962-1982: Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc)
1982-date: Copper plated Zinc.

So...basically anything copper colored before 1982 weighs 3.11 grams.
anything copper colored after 1982 weighs 2.5 grams.

1982 is a mix of the two.