Copper vs steel penny?

[cabnfvr]

Can anyone tell me why this 1962 penny looks like its steel or coated?

 

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[galenrog]

What you have is likely a junior high science experiment. A quick Google search on how to plate a penny should give you plenty of information.

 

[kcm]

Hmm...we never did any projects like that in science class. I feel cheated!

 

[jrc79inNC]

My next question on the 1962 would be if it sticks to a magnet. If not then I doubt it would be steel.

 

[austin]

Hmm...we never did any projects like that in science class. I feel cheated!

Penny goes in AgNO3 (silver nitrate) solution. Copper ions are replaced by silver ions. Silver coats penny, solution turns greenish color. Copper wire under televised microscope looks cool. Silver looks like little fir trees along wire. Kids love it. Other horrible way is put Hg mercury on penny. coats it but merc goes through the pores of your skin and can eventually kill you if you do it enough...

 

[jude061]

I did it once to a Canadian cent with a piece of zinc. Used a lantern battery and salt and vinegar solution. It had that dull gray color.