Expert: Cameron Kiefer - 4/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I work at a fast food restaurant, and see strange coins frequently. Yesterday, I picked up a penny, 2001 D, but it's not copper, I don't think. it looks exactly the same color as a dime. It's the same size of a regular penny but it weighs a little more. Do you have any idea what I found? Thanks in advance.


Ryan
ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

It could be a number of things but the most likely is that it was struck on a 10 cent planchet.  The weight being higher is a good indication along with color.  What is the exact weight in grams?

Cameron Kiefer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, my digital scales aren't working, but by my handheld, a regular penny hits right past 2 grams, while the coin in question pulls the pointer to 3+. I hope this helps, I apologize about the measurements, i will check again when I can get another set of scales. Would this hold any kind of value greater than 1 cent?

Ryan

Answer
It does hold alot more value as an error coin if the coin is genuine.  The only main way to tell this is by seeing the coin in person by a professional.... I suggest you take it to a local coin dealer and see what he says, or if you can't do that have it professionally graded by one of the top grading services:

ICG (www.icgcoin.com)
PCGS (www.pcgs.com)
NGC  (www.ngccoin.com)

Cameron Kiefer