Unusual Color 1955 Wheat Penny

[ShinyPackRat]

A 1955 wheat penny exhibiting silvery coloring. I have heard of some wheat pennies having been coated in mercury (post-mint-damage), could that be what this is? I am seeing a lot of other bits I would define as damage, maybe it was just sanded or polished.



For reference, a "normal" color wheat penny with my camera:

 

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[Dozer D]

Looks like a post chemical bath, unusual for sure when compared side-by-side.

 

[Tpmetal]

might be mercury or electroplated

 

[galenrog]

Although this color could be that of a zinc plated cent, which was later heated, giving it the brassy tone, it is also one of the myriad of colors that .950 copper cents can oxidize to.

Time for more coffee.

 

[cudamark]

Looks like it's been buffed to me.