What causes a penny to turn red?

Oxygen, water vapor, and various acids react with the copper and cause it to tarnish. This oxidation, combined with other chemical reactions, results in its natural bright reddish orange color to gradually turn into a deep chocolate brown color known as patina.

How much is a red penny worth?

For example, the 1864 red penny, the first to use tin and zinc, is worth between $1,000 and $3,000 US Dollars (USD). The 1877 red penny, on the other hand, the rarest of the mintages, may sell for more than $30,000 USD at the upper end.

Why does my wheat penny look red?

Improper long-term storage, moisture and change of climate probably turned the original Red surfaces into completely Brown surfaces over time. The definition of a Red Brown copper coin is a coin that contains from 5% to 95% Red surfaces.

Can pennies change color?

This difference in composition helps to partially explain the different colors a corroded penny can take. Because zinc tends to corrode more quickly than copper, newer pennies tend to form darker green or black layers as they corrode. The change from green to black is a sign of progressive corrosion.

Why is my penny a different color?

When oxygen binds with copper, they form a new molecule known as copper oxide. Copper oxide is brownish or sometimes black in color (depending on other things in the penny's environment). This is why most pennies you see look dirty or tarnished—it's not actually dirt but copper oxide that makes them look so dull.

Turning pennies gold

How much is a 1956 red penny worth?

A 1956 penny in extremely fine condition is worth a little more and is typically priced at $0.12. 1956 pennies in certified mint state (MS+) condition can fetch up to $5 at an auction. The value of proof pennies is more than all others. It could be as much as $8.

How much is a 1964 red penny worth?

Red-Brown MS-64 examples are valued at $3.00, MS-65 examples at $5.00, and MS-66 examples at $20.00. Red pennies bring the highest values. Because they represent very low levels of wear and circulation, Red pennies generally only exist in very high grades. Red MS-64 examples are valued between $7.00 and $8.00.

What the difference between a red and brown penny?

A coin classified as “red” has all or virtually all of the original red, meaning it features no toning; some red remains on a “red-brown” coin, meaning the coin has partially toned to brown; a coin classified as “brown” is one that has completely toned to a natural brown.

How much is a 1980 red penny worth?

In uncirculated condition, 1980 Lincoln cents have a nominal numismatic value of about 35¢. This takes into account a dealer's carrying and handling costs. BU 50-coin rolls of 1980 Lincoln cents sell for under $10 on eBay.

What is the rarest wheat penny?

Considered to be the most valuable of the non-error Wheat Pennies, the 1914 D Wheat Penny commands an asking price range from $281 to $4,268.

Why is 1944 wheat penny rare?

The 1944 Lincoln penny is particularly desirable in the eyes of collectors not only because of its design, but also due to its scarcity. Being that there are no more 1944 Lincolns being produced, the scarcity of these coins is constantly on the rise, thus making the coins more valuable.

What makes a 1969 D penny rare?

The Value of the 1969 D Penny

Mishandled planchets caused most of the pennies to have cuts and scratches. Although the 1969 D penny is made of 95% copper, collectors do value a coin based on its state and if it is desirable. Basically, the more worn your coin is, the less it is worth.

What are the 15 most valuable pennies?

What is the error on the 1956 D wheat penny?

1956-D LINCOLN WHEAT EAR ONE CENT " GREASE ON DIE WHEN STRUCK " MINT ERROR COIN.

Why is a 1956 wheat penny rare?

Because there were up to 3 different types of Lincolns produced each year, the type and its scarcity will help determine the value. Secondly, the grade of the coin means everything as coins in great condition will be more valuable than those that have been heavily worn.

Is a 1942 copper penny worth anything?

The 1942 penny contains 95% copper, hence worth its weight in copper. The current spot price for copper stands at $0.26 per ounce. Therefore, it has a melt value of $0.0291.

Can corroded pennies be cleaned?

It is generally acceptable to clean corroded coins with dirt on them by soaking briefly in clean water. After removal from the water, pat -don't rub -the coin dry with a soft towel.

Do pennies rust?

A penny doesn't technically “rust.” The copper plating corrodes, resulting in green surface tarnish. The corrosion is from oxidation -- a chemical reaction between the metal and oxygen, water and carbon dioxide in the air. Rust is the term used to describe this process when it happens to iron instead of other metals.

How do you clean oxidized coins?