Expert: Neil S Berman - 10/17/2007

Question
I have a 1956 D Lincoln Penny that is silver plated.  It does not look to be tampered with.  It seems to have been struck in silver in error by the Denver Mint.  Now here is my question.  This coin is an error coin - obviously - only known Lincoln WHEAT penny to exist.  Why would it not be worth a large amount, for example a 1936 dot canadian penny could sell for 100,000 dollars because only 4 are known to exist, so if this is the only silver plated error from the Denver Mint - would it not constitute a high cost?

Answer
If it is silver plated, it was done outside of the mint and has no value. If it is a cent struck on a silver dime planchet and certifies as genuine, then it is only scarce, but not rare, and worth maybe $750 to $1000 depending on condition. Enjoy your coin.