Red Pennies

[usa123-migration]

I have like 20 or so dark red colored memorial lincoln cents. Why do they turn that color?

 

-I also have a memorial cent from 1981 where the last digit (1) is difficult to see. In other words, if the coin is turned slightly, all you can see is 198. Is this just like a weak strike, like the 2003 proof pennies were?

 

If you want, I can post pictures of these on the forum later.

 

Thanks

 

[Hoot]

I have like 20 or so dark red colored memorial lincoln cents. Why do they turn that color?

 

All part of the natural toning process. This will vary depending on where and how the coins are stored. Many collectors like the dark red on copper pieces.

 

-I also have a memorial cent from 1981 where the last digit (1) is difficult to see. In other words, if the coin is turned slightly, all you can see is 198. Is this just like a weak strike, like the 2003 proof pennies were?

 

This is common for many coins and is usually caused by a grease-filled numeral on the die; also happens with letters. In other cases, this may have happened from die polishing, but those cases are fairly well known (e.g. the missing D in the 1922 plain cent, reverse type 2).

 

Hoot

[michael]

hoot sums things up really well

 

copper is a metal that really oxidises quick so red copper when struck if not carefully preserved turns over the years again depending on the storage of such and eventually if unchecked turns brown

 

copper in full red is highly prised by collectors and is the ulitmate in coloe for copper with nicely red brown coins that are close to or mostly red a close second and also red brown and brown coins which are wildly colored due to long term storage are also a close second and

 

all three are close in desirability

 

but true superb gem red copper is still the ultimate in us coinage

 

 

copper when struck from the heat of the dies in what i like to call for lack of a better word engrianed in the coin and if stored properly barring anything happening to the coin to change its appearance will retain its red color if totally unmolested and/or played with and again if stored properly

 

 

take a look at this website and see the articles on nidian head cents with regards to red copper it will be interesting for you to read and facinating too

 

www.indiancent.com

 

 

 

michael