Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/15/2007

Question
I’ve researched 1931 pennies and have found a lot of info on S & D, I know they have some value. I have a non-letter but right above the year “1931” (above the 19) the number 18 is engraved.  It’s about ¾ to ½ the size of the 19.  This coin is very gold in color.  The “18” is very small, not sure how anyone could have put it on this coin so perfect, but Im guessing someone did it themselves.

Thank you

Charles

Answer
Hello Charles,           

The lack of a mint mark letter on the USA One Cent coin designates it is from the Philadelphia mint.
Only the branch mints have raised letters D or S near the date.

If you have engraved digits as you say they are added to your coin after that coin was minted. This devaluates the collect ability of the coin. Maybe for an 18th birthday or anniversary? I have seen other coins modified into keepsakes.
The Gold Color could be a plating or gold wash done to preserve the coin, or just a chemical reaction from exposure to certain elements or a bad cleaning. This further devalues the coin.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack