1976 Lincoln cent +what???

[Johnnybull61]

I came across this crazy coin, any guesses?it weighs 2.6g. 20230629_043656.jpg

[Petespockets55]

Given that it is underweight and its overall appearance I would guess that it has been subjected to a caustic environment (acid maybe?).
If the diameter is less than 19 mm, that would pretty much confirm it.

[occnumis2021]

did you find this at ground zero chernobyl?

[Johnnybull61]

The diameter is correct, compared to others in the roll

[MintErrors]

To me, in my opinion, it's an environmental issue. It's either been in the ground, been exposed to chemicals/acid/tomato based fluid or all of the above. The pitting is a good sign It's been in the ground. If there is ravines running from the center of the coin towards the rim, and the rim is partially eaten away. That may be a sign of an acid bath.

The splitting on the reverse can look like this after it has been in a dryer for some time.its that split about the same distance around a good portion on the reverse of the coin.

It's simply a post mint damaged ( after it left the mint) coin.

[V.B._Rick]

I have run across a couple of these and in my opinion, they were coins that were lamination problems that were cleaned improperly. Thus adding to the problem. Unfortunately, all memorial cents are easily subject to corrosion and deterioration. Makes you wonder who's running the mint and makes the determination of the composition of coins. The only reason I even have any is because I believe the Cent and maybe all coinage will be replaced by digital currency.

[Dutch-Tigger]

I agree with the assessment on this, so all I can contribute is this for future reference and convenience .

US Coins, weight Composition and Tolererances.jpg