Jim, the devaluing of the U.S. cent by changing to copper coated zinc
basically doomed the coin to a life of nothingness. It is actually
worthless money-wise, being barely worth a penny even in mint
condition. It is now only a symbol for a once proud member of
U.S. coinage and is used only for change for a nickel.
When returned to Mother Earth's grasp, zinc is very quickly
re-absorbed back into her matrix from which it came. At it's
worst corrosion it is unacceptable anymore by banks (??) or
stores for purchasing goods. It cannot be cleaned or ever
restored, so should then summarily be discarded as
John-Edmonton suggested, preferably NOT back into the
ground..!
Perhaps it's best contribution now is just as a tool to help
detector engineers better perfect discrimination circuits
..W