Silver Lincoln Penny (
444How to make a silver colored Lincoln Penny that shines and looks like a Quarter. Starting in 1982, Lincoln Pennies were made of 97.5% Zinc and 2.5% Copper (Copper plated Zinc). Because Copper has a higher melting point than Zinc, you can't melt it using a high heat source like a torch. More likely acid wash was used to remove the copper plating, leaving Zinc behind. In the end you end up with a silver colored Lincoln Penny (made out of Zinc). Note that this only works on a Lincoln Penny dated 1982 or newer. Before that date, Lincoln Pennies were made mostly of Copper. A similar colored Penny is the 1943 Steel Penny during World War II. Because copper was desperately needed during the war, steel was substituted instead. The following are the different compositions of Pennies (including those earlier than 1982):
1982-Now: 2.5% Copper, 97.5% Zinc
1962-1982: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
1943-1943: 99% Steel, 1% Zinc
1864-1962: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (and "some" Tin)
1857-1863: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
1837-1857: Bronze (95% Copper, 5% mixture of Tin and Zinc)
1793-1863: Pure Copper