Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1855 penny

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Expert: - 1/21/2008


Question

1855 Penny with irregu
I have an 1855 Penny with slanted 5's in the date and a glob of something on the ear...my father had this coin and wrote on the sleeve "knob on ear".  I have not seen this on any other similar coins.  Is this rare?

Answer
Hello Donna,                            

It is not particularly rare but in collectable grades sells for about 20% to 30% more than other large cents with the same date.
The coin was made with a defective die, it was chipped or gouged out, and that hollow in the die makes it look like there is a blob of metal above Liberty’s ear. It was only issued for part of this year.  
The slanted digits 5 were normal for this coin design there was another die that year that had the digits more squared. Again this does not add much value to the coin and is merely considered a variety.

If you need any assistance, information or clarification on this answer feel free to ask another question.

Good Luck

PapaJack
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    CommentThanks for getting back so quick.


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PAPAJACK

Expertise

Knowledge of United States Coins from 1793 to date. Able to answer most common numismatic questions. Collected U.S. Coins from half cent to 50 dollar gold coins.

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United States Coin COLLECTOR/DEALER OVER 20 YEARS, U.S. COINS Worked trade shows,
EXPERT Consulting since 1990, Knowledge of all methods of fabrication used in the industry.
Hobbies:US notes, clocks, cars, computers, coins, leisure activity and crafts to name a few.

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