Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 8/25/2007

Question
I have a 1969 American Penny With a imprinted picture on the front. Found it around 10 years ago in some of my mom' loose change. The imprint is of the Moon landing. Front side above the date from bottom to top is the date; July 20, the moon lander with two astronauts to the right, a small curved line representing the edge of the moon with a small figure I suspect to be the shuttle, and an image of Earth right infront of Lincoln's forhead. I've had it for years and I'm just a little curious to see if it has any value. I appreciate any information, thank you.
-Chris

Answer
Chris, this type of piece was fairly popular in the late 60s and 70s.  This is the first I've heard of the moon landing, but there are pictures of Kennedy and the states and Masonic symbols (etc) punched into the cents as novelty pieces.  They generally sell by the novelty salespeople for about a dollar, and have no real value for resale.  Go to www.ebay.com and do a search for Apollo moon coin cents and you'll see a set like this for sale now.  Jim Lawniczak