Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/1/2008

Question
I have a 1904 Indian head penny that is silver in color. I thought it was a dime until I flipped it over and saw the one cent on back. Is this unusual and what is it worth? Thank you.
Glenda

Answer
Hello Glenda,                 

It is likely a novelty item. Many cents have been plated over the years.
It may have been contaminated in a solution after a batch of silver having picked up the tint of color in the solution.

It is possible that you have the wrong coin blank made into a cent at the mint. This would have to be seen and authenticated, and is the only way the coin is considered valuable to an error coin collector.

For testing, first check the specifications on the coin. 3.11 grams and 19mm round diameter. If it is anything else and we don’t have a cent blank used here.

If the coin is the correct size and within the weight tolerances of a normal cent there are a few ways this could happen.

It may be polished after the coin left the mint. With certain polishing mediums a silver, gold or brass look can be achieved. I have even seen cents cleaned in silver cleaners that change their color to silverish hues.

Or it was more probably plated. Copper takes plating well but if you magnify the (fillet) area where the raised lettering is you will find a build-up of the plating material.  

Things like this are worthless to collectors. Most coin shops and all coin Shows Large or small will have people knowledgeable enough to identify this piece for you at no charge.

If you need to find a coin dealer in your area write me back.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack