Has anyone noticed that the newer Zinks are

[Dancer]

Deteriorating even faster than ever on salt beaches? Don't take long for them to attract sand and rot like a magnet. Also to my ear their sound is different too (because of this no doubt) If not eliminated the pennies might next be made of plastic with a small chip.
Like the Casino's. Or like our northern friends , eliminate em.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

On ships Zincs are used to protect the hull from electrolysis. Salt water eats zinc rapidly. the modern penny has a very thin copper coat and does nothing to protect the zinc in the penny. They become worthless in a short period of time. they do last a little longer in the dirt but corrode just as at the beach.