sciguy

A clad coin is like a sandwich. In the US case, it had a copper core and 2 outer layers of nickel that are bonded together. The layers are distinct and you can see the copper core if you look at the edge.

 

This is different than plating. Plating is just a thin layer of one metal over another. In the case of the US cent, it is a copper plating over zinc.

 

They are both different than an alloy. Our 5 cent coin is an alloy. That is a mixture of metals. In the case of the US nickel, it is a mixture of copper and nickel.

 

The 90% silver coinage is also an alloy as were the older cents, half cents, etc.

wow lol never realised there were so many different kinds... is it certain coins or dates ranges that are clad?

i have never quite understood what it means when something is clad.

also i have a proof 1988 set but was looking on an ebay store and they have gem proof and prestige proof 88 sets. what does that mean?

1988? Because that's the year that you are born in? ?

yup thats why

im a specialist. i collect mostly 1988 stuff (but i would like to get a swedish coin with Gustav Vasa on it... i am related to him but dont really feel like paying as much shipping as it take on ebay... even if i did, being a kid i couldnt anyways.

but yeah anyways... 1988 and also state quarters and journey west... they just are easy to get ahold of and look cool (some of them)