Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 6/24/2007

Question
A few days ago, I found a silver colored 1971 penny in with the dimes in my drawer at work. It is in good condition. I compared the markings to other pennies in the drawer and they seem to be exactly the same. Could this be a rare/uncommon coin or most likely a fake?

Answer
Lynn, it is possible that there can be a mint error, with a cent struck on a dime planchet.  However, if that is what happened on your piece, then the piece will be dime sized, not cent sized.  Compare the size to dimes and cents.  If it is a cent sized, the most likely explanation is that someone coated (painted) the piece with a silver colored material after minting.  Little boys like to play with chemicals and U.S. coins are often available for practice.  Jim Lawniczak