Two Interesting Wheats.

[tellurianpearl]

I have just recently found a couple of very interesting Wheats whilst sorting through my collection of circulated coins. The Grey Cent looks like a Steel Wheat but has no attraction to a magnet and weighs between 2.9 and 3.0g. (scale settles on 3.0). The second Wheat shown weighs between 2.6 and 2.7g (scale settles on 2.7) and is smaller than a normal Cent. It is about the size of a dime with a plain smooth edge and appears to be copper. Any input would be very much appreciated.
Nicole.

[wavysteps]

I'll tackle the easy one first. The 1945 has been subjected to acid, which has shrunk the cent down. It was an old, common high-school experiment that was conducted in the physics lab and there are more than a few examples still kicking around. I have seen this conducted where the cent is almost wafer thin (around the 1 gram area) and though the design features on the coin were mushy, there were still recognizable.

The 1957 appears to have been chemically treated or exposed to harsh elements that have changed the color of the copper. The slightly mottled appearance is a clue to this condition. However, there is a very, very slight possibility that this could be an off metal cent. Only an in hand examination would tell the true story.

BJ Neff

[diamond]

I don't think the 1945 cent is an acid job. But I don't think it's a genuine error, either. To me it looks like the perimeter was mechanically removed outside the Mint. The perfect centering, lack of metal flow in elements nearest the edge, and clear signs of damage around the edge all point to intentional alteration. I don't see the blurriness or attenuation of design elements that one associates with an acid job.

I agree with BJ's assessment of the gray cent. -- Mike Diamond

[tellurianpearl]

Thank you both very much for your quick responses and expertise.