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Question
I have a 1997 penny that looks like it was stamped from the same metal that a dime is made of. At first glance I thought it was a dime but indeed it is a Lincoln penny with no mint mark. Is this rare or a common occurrence? Is this coin worth anything? Thanks Larry
Larry,
What you have is either :
1) an unfinished planchet error coin -- pennies are made of zinc with a thin copper outer layer -- sometime the copper coating does not get applied -- should weight just under 2.5 grams -- value at a couple dollars.
2) a penny struck on a dime planchet -- will have a copper stripe along the outside edge -- will weigh 2.27 grams -- worth about $50.
3) and altered penny -- something that somebody has removed the outer copper coating from -- considered damaged, it has no collector value.
I hope this helps,
Dan
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| Comment | Thank you very much for your expert research and opinion. Larry Richter | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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