LogFAQs > #903606171

that gap youre referencing doesnt mean much. some coins arent struck 100% center but unless its super distressed it isnt worth much.

I'd say step 1 would be to get a scale and weigh the coin. a 1990 zinc penny should weigh 2.5 grams +/- a little for how worn it is or maybe its rolled thick, but 2.5g is the standard.

if it weighs 2.5g or about you know its a zinc penny.

My thoughts are somebody found a way to remove the copper outer layer without damaging the coin leaving just the zinc underneath, which is silver.