Gold-Plated/Copper-Alloy U.S. Lincoln Shield Cent
Coin (Numismatic/Exonumia) · Likely a thin 24K Yellow Gold electroplate over a standard copper-plated zinc base metal.
Purity: Not solid gold; appears to be a copper-plated zinc penny that has been gold-plated (likely 24K thin wash) or chemically altered. If genuine gold plating is present, the gold content is less than 0.1%.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Exonumia)
Purity
Not solid gold; appears to be a copper-plated zinc penny that has been gold-plated (likely 24K thin wash) or chemically altered. If genuine gold plating is present, the gold content is less than 0.1%.
Gold Type
Likely a thin 24K Yellow Gold electroplate over a standard copper-plated zinc base metal.
Weight
2.5 grams (Standard weight for a post-1982 U.S. Lincoln Cent)
Description
This item is a standard United States Lincoln Shield Cent that has been modified after leaving the mint. These are commonly gold-plated for novelty sets, 'gold-plated penny' science experiments, or as part of promotional jewelry projects. While it carries the luster of gold, it remains a base-metal legal tender coin at its core.
Key Features
Union Shield reverse design; 'E Pluribus Unum' motto; modification from standard copper appearance to a gold-tone finish.
Color & Finish
Deep warm yellow reflecting a golden hue, though with significant surface wear and oxidation showing through as reddish-brown copper tones. Satin to dull luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks (standard for coins). Features official U.S. Mint 'Union Shield' reverse design and 'ONE CENT' denomination stamp.
Dimensions Estimate
19.05 mm diameter, 1.52 mm thickness (Standard U.S. Penny size)
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Reeded or smooth edge (standard coin rim)
Chain & Links
N/A
Craftsmanship Details
Standard United States Mint machine strike; secondary market electroplating application was likely industrial or hobbyist grade.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: No U.S. one-cent coins are minted in solid gold. The visual appearance of wear showing copper underneath indicates this is a plated base-metal coin.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint
Era & Period
Contemporary (Modern Era)
Age Estimate
2010 to Present (based on the Union Shield reverse design introduced in 2010)
Cultural Significance
Representing the smallest unit of U.S. currency, the penny is a cultural icon of American history, though modified versions like this are often used as lucky charms or educational curiosities.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches, blurring of the strike details, and signs of the plating wearing off at the high points of the shield.
Value Estimate
Nominal value/Face value ($0.01). Collector/Novelty value approximately $0.25 to $1.00. Melt value of gold content is negligible (nearly zero).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners which will strip the thin gold plating. Clean only with a soft damp cloth if necessary. Store in a dry environment to prevent zinc rot (corrosion).
Similar Items
Copper-plated zinc pennies (standard circulating), early wheat pennies (bronze), and novelty 'silver' (zinc-plated) pennies.
Interesting Facts
The Union Shield on the back has 13 vertical stripes representing the original 13 states joined in one compact union, symbolizing President Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single country.