Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/11/2007

Question
I have a penny that looks as though it could be read as 1937 with the Lincoln Memorial on the back without a "D" or "P".  My father believes that it could be a mis-stricken 1977. Have you heard of this before?

Answer
Hello Alisha ,    

This could be a fantasy coin or made from an altered cent. The Lincoln Memorial cent reverse was not even designed in 1937. The Philadelphia mint does not put a mint mark on the one cent coin.
I would think a 1987 is more likely with part of the 8 removed than a 1977. To help verify this the weight was 3.11 grams before 1982 and 2.5 grams after.  
This if it is a mis-strike error would likely have little value less than $2 since it was not a die error.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack