electrolysis

Hi Tom,
First of all I want to tell you that I found you video to be very informative.
I'm a novice to this hobby (just started last month) and I have much to learn.
I recommend your video to anyone purchasing their first detector.

I reside in your area and have only been hunting a few times.
I've noticed that some of the clad I've found along the rivers are deteriorating. Is this due to electrolysis? Is it the zinc content in the coins?
It seems the newer the coin, the worst the condition.

The copper (clad) coins of today will simply turn dark brown/red'ish/nearly black due to copper oxidation..... as most coins of today are nearly pure copper. This is a normal/common occurence. The zinc cents are a battery. Two dissimilar metals; a pure (nearly powder) zinc core.....with a micro-thin outer coating of copper. They are 20% lighter then their pure copper counterparts. Because of the two dissimilar metals.... a very slight pinhole in the coin...... and 'just add moisture' ... and you have a battery. Oxygen, moisture and two dissimilar metals and ..... poof!... you have a nearly exploded penny.

Tom

great analogy tom..