[net.rec.coins] penny inquiry

rhm (11/30/82)

What is the metallic composition of the new (apparently debased) pennies?
What is their weight?
Is there any way to recognize them other than weighing?

trb (11/30/82)

I'm not a heavy duty numismatist but I have found this about the
new pennies:

When you drop them on a hard surface they go clank, whereas the
old ones go pinnnnnnnnng.  You have to put your ear close to them
to hear the extended ring or lack thereof.

I think they're zinc.  (What a way with words I have.)
I think that only SOME of the '82s are zinc, some are old style.
(I submitted this info once before, I know).

	Andy Tannenbaum   Bell Labs  Whippany, NJ   (201) 386-6491