Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 3/11/2008

Question
I found a 1994 pennie and after looking at it, on one side is printed of Lincoln's head with 1994 d and on the other side is smooth but you can see the indention of the head. you can kinda feel it also. Is this something that I can see if there are others out there and like everybody else "Is it worth anything?"

Answer
Hello, Lynn, in general, damage after minting is done reduces value of numismatic material, whereas strange occurrences during minting sometimes, but not always, increases value.  I have been told that a piece cannot be struck with only one die.  Therefore, there must have been a reverse impression on your piece when it was made (even if somewhat weakly struck).  My best guess (but an expert would have to review to be sure) is that someone planed off your coin's reverse after it was struck and perhaps even tried to hammer into the now empty space an obverse from another coin.  But again, an expert would have to review to be certain, Jim Lawniczak