Pressed Pennies Question

[mickilovesmickey]

Does anyone know if new or old pennies work better for the pressed penny machines? I thought that I had read something on this previously, but now I can't find it. Thanks for any help.

[JeanJoe]

I'm not a pressed penny expert, but I think I recall that newer pennies have higher zinc content inside, which causes more silvery looking streaking after being pressed.

Can't tell you what year they changed the composition though.

[mickilovesmickey]

Thanks. I had thought the same thing but wasn't sure.

[Disneyonmymind]

to use pre-1982 pennies.

[tnhillbilly]

the pennies made before 1982 are copper. some made in 82 have the "silver". the pressed pennies made with "new" pennies have a marbled look. I think the detals of the design show up in the older pennies better. tip --- place the penny so the "head" side is the one that is getting the design.

[JeanJoe]

Totally off-topic, but if you take one of the new-fangled post-1982 zinc-filled pennies, make a tiny scratch in the copper coating with a nail, and dump the penny in some acid, you can dissolve out all the zinc from the inside, and end up with a perfect, thin copper shell of a penny.

Fun in the chemistry lab, years and years ago...

[mom2dnk]

We went with the 'old' penny theory and got one that was totally ruined! We went for the shiny new pennies and they all turned out great.

We did forget to take them with us. I read the suggestion that you should take film canisters; one with pennies and one or two with quarters. Great idea!
::MinnieMo

[DebMcDonald]

Also cleaning the pennies in ketchup worked GREAT!