Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/5/2008

Question
I have a set of lincoln cents that appears to be a commemorative set.  Each penny has the state imprinted on it to the right of Lincoln's head.  The year on the coins are 1983.  What is the history behind these coins and are they worth anything.  Thanks for your help.  Judy

Answer
Hello Judy,                          

These are real cents that have been altered. I have never seen a complete set and do not know what company altered the coins.
I have not seen any post 1982 cents stamped like this so yours may not be as common. In 1982 the composition of the cent was changed to a zinc core and it would look and strike differently.  

There is no added collector value to it since it was modified by a private entity after it left the mint. They were made as a novelty

I saw a lot of them made in the 1970's one for each state for placement in a penny board.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack