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As you may know a penny is not all copper, the inside is zinc. Here is how can you dissolve the zinc in the penny so only left with the copper shell.



  1. 1
    Scratch the edge of the penny with a file. If you can't see the zinc core (a sliver of silver-colored metal), keep filing. Pennies after about 1982 should have this zinc core.
  2. 2
    Place your penny in a plastic tray and put on your goggles. Pour just enough acid into the tray to cover the coin, about half an inch. You should see the acid reacting with the zinc core inside the penny (look for a lot of bubbles forming).
  3. 3
    Swirl the tray gently to keep fresh acid over the coin. When the bubbles are gone, the reaction is over.
  4. 4
    Place the tray in a sink and sprinkle small amounts of baking soda into the tray. Stop when the baking soda stops foaming.
  5. 5
    Turn on the water and rinse the liquid in the tray down the drain. Be careful not to lose your copper penny.
  6. 6
    Pick up your penny gently! The penny is fragile. The inner zinc core has dissolved in the acid. Even though the copper is very thin, you can see a good likeness of Abraham Lincoln in the middle.


  • It's not necessary to do this with every penny you own. It takes several hours to do if you include letting it sit out.


  • Be careful handling acid. Remember: Acid INTO water. You don't want anyone, or you for that matter, getting injured.

Things You'll Need

  • Goggles
  • Penny
  • Muriatic acid
  • Plastic tray
  • Small file
  • Baking soda
  • Gloves

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Coins

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