1983 Lincoln Memorial Cent Partial Plating Error

This 1983 Lincoln Memorial cent displays a partial copper plating error, a known mint error associated with early copper-plated zinc cents. Beginning in 1982, Lincoln cents were struck on zinc planchets coated with a thin copper layer. When that plating fails to fully bond during production, areas of the zinc core can remain exposed.

On this example, portions of missing or incomplete copper plating are visible, showing lighter gray zinc beneath the normal copper surface. This appearance is consistent with a mint-caused plating defect, not post-mint damage or cleaning. Such errors can result from improper adhesion, contamination, or flaws in the electroplating process.

Partial plating errors are collected for their clear visual contrast and their connection to modern minting technology. This coin is offered raw and ungraded, with no guarantees made regarding rarity, grade, or error classification beyond a partial plating issue. Please review the photos carefully & judge the condition