Add 4-5 pellets (~1.0 g) of NaOH 
to ~50-60 mL boiling water
Stir to dissolve
Add ~1.0 g Zinc powder to NaOH solution
Stir
Carefully drop a penny into mixture. 
Stir occasionally.
This may take a few minutes.
Using crucible tongs, take the penny out.
Check to see that both sides are zinc-plated.
Drop into a beaker of clean water to wash off 
any excess zinc.
Place onto a clean, dry paper towel. 
A "silver" penny!
Dry with another clean paper towel. 
Using crucible tongs, 
hold the penny directly in a flame.
Hold it there until there is a uniform "gold" color.
The copper from the penny and the zinc coating
will come together to form an alloy of brass. 
A "gold" penny!
