Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 3/13/2008

Question
I have come across a misstamped penny from 1980 something. I say that because the bottom of the Lincoln head side is missing including the fourth digit of the year it was printed.
Both sides of the penny are misprinted. On the back side of the penny the United States of America is not there. This penny was in circulation. I can't believe no one took it out of circulation. It's likely over 20 years old.
Does it have any value to a collector, to anyone?

Answer
Ken, in general, damage done to a coin after it is minted detracts from the value of an item, while unusual things that happen during the minting process can, but won't always, add to value.  Probably the most likely explanation for something missing is that someone took it off after it was minted (boys will be boys and like to experiment).  It is also possible that there was a weak strike when the piece was minted.  But usually, weak strikes are on one side only, not both sides.  An expert would have to view the iece to be sure.  You might try going to www.ebay.com and doing searches for weak strike cent or weak strike penny to see what comes up and to see the pictures as to what weak strikes look like and compare them to your piece.  You'll also see what weak strikes sell for (I would guess probably not all that great a premium in most cases), Jim Lawniczak