Copper vs zinc ratio - cents

[Dozer D]

Besides doing dimes, I also am one of those that hoard copper cents as part of the process of filling the cent coin albums for the 12-grandkids. In the sorting process I keep all the 1982 separate to be later weighed on a GRAM scale for copper vs zinc. Last night I finally had time to weigh/sort (several hundred) of the 82s and the results come out to a 4:1 ratio, 4-coppers to 1-zinc. I was surprised it was that high, and thought it would have been just opposite with more zincs. Anyone having the same ratio, comments! HH DozerD

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[FormerTeller]

When I saved them to weigh, I found about the same ratio. Now when I sort, I bounce the 82's off my table. A clear ringing sound indicated copper; a flat, plastic sound indicated zinc. If I have my scale near by while sorting, I'll bounce the 82's then weigh them. I can tell correctly by sound 100% of the time - I have never been wrong - so it is a method I recommend.

 

[Liu21]

bounce/ring test is the quickest way to find those copper 82s. especially if you have some nice granite counter tops, those make copper coins ring like heck.

 

[Chizzy]

Same ratio found here........I also weigh all my '82's......got tired of chasing them across the room.............

 

[Dozer D]

Sorry guys, I'm hard of hearing so I have to use gram scale all the time. Or as the wife says, I have selective hearing syndrome.