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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1974 Penny with Wisconsin

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Expert: - 7/9/2008


Question

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A have a 1974 Lincoln penny that has the outline of the state of Wisconsin embossed just above the year.  The letters WI are inside the state form.  Is this anything special?

Answer
Hello Terri,                           

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 since in 1982 the composition of the cent was changed to a zinc core and it would look and strike differently.  

I do come across them occasionally at coin shows. I know of no one currently selling or producing the state sets.

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.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentJust want to thank you for the information. Appreciate your prompt response


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PAPAJACK

Expertise

Knowledge of United States Coins from 1793 to date. Able to answer most common numismatic questions. Collected U.S. Coins from half cent to 50 dollar gold coins.

Experience

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United States Coin COLLECTOR/DEALER OVER 20 YEARS, U.S. COINS Worked trade shows,
EXPERT Consulting since 1990, Knowledge of all methods of fabrication used in the industry.
Hobbies:US notes, clocks, cars, computers, coins, leisure activity and crafts to name a few.

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