Unusual penny, is it a misprint or other?

[Kathleen Anne]

I came across this penny when I was working at a convenience store many years ago. It caught my eye because it looks like Lincoln has dreadlocks. The coin is slightly warped and does not sit flat. The other side appears basically normal except for being slightly warped. Is this a misprint, or something else?

 

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[Slingshot]

Looks like it might have been subjected to heat. That is a zinc penny and they have a much lower melting temp than the older copper ones.

 

[l.cutler]

Yes, just damaged from heat. The copper coated zinc cents are very prone to damage.

 

[3cylbill]

heat would have discolored it ...

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Hmm, the ground if still frozen solid here, so I’ll get some zincolns and a lighter and let you know what happens

 

[kingskid1611]

Remember Lincoln is old so those wrinkles are long overdue....

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Update! So I got my lighter and zincolns and I was ready to start my experiment and the wife put her two cents in, she said something about “acting my age, growing up, and being a responsible adult “ I really wasn’t listening until she broke out the rolling pin so..............we’ll try this later on

 

[3cylbill]

if that had been me i would have told her while she had her rollin piin out she could at least whip up a couple apple pies ......then run like hell..

 

[Tpmetal]

if that had been me i would have told her while she had her rollin piin out she could at least whip up a couple apple pies ......then run like hell..

Thats a dangerous move haha.

 

[l.cutler]

heat would have discolored it ...

Not necessarily, "clean" heat like propane doesn't always discolor. Could also have been cleaned after it was heated, but it is definitely heat damage.

 

[enamel7]

Not necessarily, "clean" heat like propane doesn't always discolor. Could also have been cleaned after it was heated, but it is definitely heat damage.

Also, coins aren't printed.

 

[trdking]

To replicate this damage you would do better with a skillet and a hot plate. As it heats you will start to see it distort before it melts. Fortunately my SO does not own a rolling pin. (anymore)