Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/24/2007

Question
Hi Papajack
I have a 1941 liberty head dime facing left.On the back is wheat it says ONE DIME UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. How much is it worth
Thank You

Answer
Hello Larry,                    

Since 1982 the cent coin is made of all zinc with a plating of copper.
Your coin might be missing the copper plating.  
Another possibility is that of an off-metal coin blank getting stuck in the bins the mint used and ending up in another production run. (This error would have to be confirmed by an expert.)

Get a good magnifier and a light source. Examine the edge, image and fields on the coin at all angles.

If the surface is kind of rough and pitted it sounds like it may have been in an acid bath and the copper was removed.
(Perhaps in a plating shop where they strip chrome and nickel plating all day.) Also someone may have plated the coin. Usually an error leaving the mint is fairly well struck.

If you still suspect it to be a genuine error it needs to be checked by a specialist. If it is a genuine error, it will have numismatic value. But it cannot be estimated without a knowledgeable coin person seeing it.

If you 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.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They 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.

Again most likely the copper coating has been removed or the coin has a plating or residue on them. This renders then worthless to true coin collectors. Only if the coins had come from the U.S. Mint this way would they be valuable.

I hope this information Helps.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack