Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/29/2008

Question
I found a 1969 silver or aluminum D penny.  I have been looking online and can't find any info on this penny.  Have you heard of one?  Who could I talk to about value or authenticity?

Answer
Hello John,                          

There was no recorded error in my catalogs of a off metal strike on your cents.

How clear is the Obverse of the coin? Is the design very strong and detailed?
What is the weight on your coin?

I have heard of a few ways of this happening:
There was always the possibility of a off-metal coin blank getting stuck in the bins the mint used and ending up in another production run. (This error would have to be confirmed by  an expert.)

Get a good magnifier and a light source. Examine the edge on the coin at all angles.

If the surface is kind of rough and pitted it sounds like it may have been in an acid bath.
(Perhaps in a plating shop where they strip chrome and nickel plating all day. ) Also someone may have plated the coin. Usually an error leaving the mint is fairly well struck.

If you still suspect it to be a genuine error it needs to be checked by a specialist. If it is a genuine error, it will have numismatic value. but it cannot be estimated without a knowledgeable coin person seeing it.

The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this.
If you write back, in a private question, with the general location (nearest large cities) and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or an error coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

Again Most likely the copper has been discolored or the coins have a plating or residue on them. This renders then worthless to true coin collectors. only if the coins had come from the U.S. Mint this way would they be valuable.

I hope this information Helps.

Please remember to rate this answer.

Good Luck