Expert: PAPAJACK - 7/25/2007

Question
Hi PAPAJACK, I recently received a 1919 Lincoln Penny, that has the Lincoln face on the front but nothing on the back.  It looks pretty legit.  Any thoughts on the value even if the back was altered?  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Matt,                       

I do know nothing is impossible. So you could have a real error here.

The Anvil or bottom die is stationary below the collar that holds the loaded one cent blank.
The coins are fed into the collar very fast after the raised edge is (rim) imparted to the blank. If two blanks were stuck together it should not have gone into the feeder mechanism. But it has happened before.  
If a cent was stuck on the anvil die when the Hammer die came down it usually would have spread the coin (broad struck) since it was not held in the collar. All others I have seen are made off center and have a depressed image of the coin that was stuck on the anvil die.

In this case the Error-Coin would have a value of $5 and up.

As for removing the design or polishing it off, modern cents are only copper coated although the design may only be .010 inch hi and easy to remove it would expose the zinc core. So if this was done it would have to be a pre 1982 cent.
Any altered coin whether polished, hammered, cleaned or defaced in any way has no value to collectors. It would only be a novelty and sold as a trick coin.

Sorry I cannot be more help. The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this. If you want to pursue it further write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

There is also help at most coin shows. Many dealers give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or an error coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack