Leadframe for use in a semiconductor package

A leadframe comprises a die mounting area, a plurality of lead fingers and a metal deposit having a negative electrochemical potential with respect to a standard H2 half cell. A semiconductor package comprises the leadframe and a semiconductor chip having a plurality of contact areas mounted to the die mounting area and electrically connected to the inner ends of the lead fingers of the leadframe by a plurality of bond wires. The semiconductor chip, the bond wires and inner portions of the lead fingers are encapsulated by a plastic housing.