Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a copper penny that is a little confusing. The date is 194J. I have compared it to every 1940s penny from 40-49 and can find no number that the J could have been. The top of the J is very broad at the top and then slims down to the width of a one. The curve of the J at the bottom is not similar to the bottom of a 3 or a 9, and I can't find anything online that says anything about this coin. In the scan the J almost looks like a 3, but looking at it through a magnifying lens, you can tell it is a J. Haven't seen anything like this, so I'm very curious.

ANSWER: Hello Beth,          

I did not find any other record of this defect in the error sites I searched. The Picture you sent is not that clear and the coin looks well circulated. Also copper is very malleable. This means it is easy to reform the metal.

This letter or digit is so far to the right of the others that it cannot be a die defect. None of the dies on record had a miss-placed 4th digit. Something happened to this coin during manufacture or after it left the mint.

Error coins are not my specialty but I can help you find an experienced person in your area to look at the coin and give you their opinion for free.
If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and some Postal Zip codes I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I'd like to have someone look at. I live near Tulsa Oklahoma my zipcode is 74361. Thank you very much!

Answer
Hello again Beth,          

Here are some dealers listed near you as requested.
I am pretty sure you have a copy but since I cannot see it here are 3 part time coin men in your neck of the woods.

They may not authenticate the piece if it is not their specialty but will be able to tell you what to do next.

John W. Highfill
PO Box 25
Broken Arrow , OK 74013-0025
Phone: (918) 254-8931
Specialties Silver Dollars, Gold U.S., Proof Sets  
E-mail: oklahomacoin@cox.net
Website: http://wwwbeaniehotline.com  

Carter Numismatics Inc
PO Box 521177
Tulsa, OK 74152-1177
Phone: (918) 583-2646
Specialties Buying Coins, Gold Rare-Dated U.S., U.S. Type   
E-mail: sales@carternumismatics.com
Website: http://www.carternumismatics.com  

Mid American Currency
PO Box 1282
Bartlesville, OK 74005-1282
Phone: (918) 335-0847
Specialties Estate Appraisals, Paper Money, Paper Money U.S.  
E-mail: dkoble@cableone.net

Roy L. Baker
2530 E 31st St
Tulsa, OK 74105-2308
Phone: (918) 749-4707
Specialties Buying Coins, Gold U.S., Silver Dollars  
* Part time dealer  

Tulsa Coin
2606 S Sheridan Ste I
Tulsa, OK 74129-1005
Phone: (918) 836-8999
Specialties Numismatic Services, U.S. Type

I hope this information helps.

Good Luck

PapaJack