Expert: Cameron Kiefer - 9/23/2004

Question
i have a 1945 wheat penny. and i wish i could somehow show a picture to you, but since i cant i will try to do my best to describe it. i found it forever ago and for some reason it really struck me as unique/odd. so ive kept it ever since. the front of the penny appears to be normal with the mint mark 1945-D. however, the back almost has a marble appearance. sort of like a copper and black marble. i know it is not dirt or tarnish, i have cleaned it. i have heard the term "double dyed" before and did not know what exactly it meant...but was wondering if maybe the penny i had was an example. and if so does it increase the value? or does it not. and why does it happen?

Answer
Hi Katherine,

This coin is really hard to tell what it is by a description.  It is noot a doubled die.  A doubled die is actually part of the lettering that was struck twice by the dies leaving a doubled impression on the coin.  The color of the coin would not be affected by this.

The dark maarble color could be anything....toning, tarnish, acid, normal wear.  I can't tell you much more without a picture.  I'm sorry.  Cleaning a coin lowers its value because collectors like uncleaned coins just like antique collectors like original wood varnish.   A ood example would be a stripped down table like so many people clean and bring into the Antique roadshow before they bring it on the air.  They lower the value at least half and thats the same with coins.

Cameron Kiefer