I've had this for 2-3 years and have kept it stored at home. I've handled it, but I've never dropped it on the ground. I've never taken it outside and thrown it. I've polished it with a cloth, but I've never used any rust-prevention chemicals. I believe the silver color of the shot put is a coating (rust prevention). I think that if it were used for practice and thrown many times, this silver coating would wear off, revealing the original iron color of the shot put. While there is a difference in appearance compared to a new item, it is unused.