Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/1/2008

Question
i found a silver penny with a three leave clover in front of Lincolns face, i can not find anything on this coin.  do you have any suggestions?

thanks
danielle

Answer
Hello Danielle,          

I know your Cent was not made by the mint like this. It was altered after it was made by someone in the private sector. Examine the edge and see if there is any mark, like it was removed from a holder.

They have no added value and were sold as a novelty piece and sometimes made for a fund raiser or as a keepsake.

These lucky pieces is a specialized collectable field. It does sound like an authentic piece. There were many types made for this clubs, fairs, expositions and such.

Jim Lawniczak, at this site, is much more informed and better to answer your question about your encased coin or a lucky cent.
Most of these are advertising and event tokens with coins, usually cents, struck with the token.
In fact he has published several articles on encased coins, in particular the encased coins of the 1901 Buffalo Pan American Exposition
Ask Jim at;
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/2297-33534/Coin-Collecting/Jim-Lawniczak.htm

I hope this information Helps.

Good Luck

PapaJack