Why is this penny silver colored?

[Charmin]

My sister got this 1989 penny in some change and noticed the silver coloring on it. Its not silver paint because I tried to scratch/flake it off . What would cause this? Thanks for any help!

 

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[NaturalJWL]

It looks like the copper coating is worn down to the zink interior.

 

[mts]

Or it could be a science experiment gone bad. People tend to use pennies when testing plating procedures. It does look like wear in the high spots though.

 

[Charmin]

It looks like the copper coating is worn down to the zink interior.

Thanks--I just learned something new---I've never seen one worn down to the zinc before and didn't realize that was possible.
Thanks NaturalJWL!!

Or it could be a science experiment gone bad. People tend to use pennies when testing plating procedures. It does look like wear in the high spots though.

Thanks mts...That would also make sense if someone used it as a science experimenet.

 

[diggummup]

I was told this one was from a science experiment due to the "pitting", although I have since found numerous shiny new zincoln's that had the same pitting so... who knows -

 

[Charmin]

I was told this one was from a science experiment due to the "pitting", although I have since found numerous shiny new zincoln's that had the same pitting so... who knows -

This one we have has a little bit of pitting on it, but its just odd to me that there is so much wear around the edges that it made it look silver. It looks like this thing has been around the world and back again.
I was hoping for a 'rare' find, diggummup .
Thanks .

 

[l.cutler]

It is not normal wear, someone has rubbed it on a file, sharpening stone or something of the sort.

 

[diggummup]

It is not normal wear, someone has rubbed it on a file, sharpening stone or something of the sort.

Or the sidewalk. I agree. I have found several like this in the street while taking my daily bike ride, though they have more overall scratching on them from being run over by vehicles.

 

[Charmin]

It is not normal wear, someone has rubbed it on a file, sharpening stone or something of the sort.

It is not normal wear, someone has rubbed it on a file, sharpening stone or something of the sort.

Or the sidewalk. I agree. I have found several like this in the street while taking my daily bike ride, though they have more overall scratching on them from being run over by vehicles.

Yes, one side is thinner at the edge and does look like maybe its been 'filed'.
Thanks guys!

 

[Gaijun1]

I Got a 44 Wheat Penny So Shiny A Month Ago I Ran To The Fridge To Sick It Too A Magnet
You Dont Want To Know What I Said Next When It Dident Stick

 

[DIGDIG]

I have a penny that has no copper on it at all, I thought it was a 43' steel penny but upon further inspection it turned out to be a 1962D, now that you mention it mine has "pitting" also. looks like someone tumbled it or something.