Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: We recently found a 1846 penny that has the woman profile on both side of the coin. We are wondering if its a mint mistake or what? Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank You.

ANSWER: I am tring to get this photo to upload fopr you! this is my third try!

Hello Chuck,          

Is this a US "ONE CENT" or from another country?
What Size is this coin? (Is is as big as a US Quarter?)
I can Include an image of what a USA on Cent coin was like in 1846 with this response. But I do need you to write me back with the information.

Please, let me know if I can be of any more help I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack


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

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. Yes it is a U.S. one cent coin & it is a little bit bigger than a quarter. On one side of the coin is the womans profile & if you flip it exactley over the womans profile on the other side is horiziontal to the one on the front. Again Thank you & any more help in this matter is appreciated.

Answer
Hello again,          

Thank you for getting back to me so soon.

There is the possibility that this could have been done at the mint but it has to be examined by an expert.
There are no reported errors like this on record in catalogs I have found though.
Your piece is most likely an altered coin or token made as a novelty.

I can direct you to a trustworthy coin person in your area. With out seeing the coin it is only a guess as to how it was made.

Write me back in a private question and let me know your general location using 1) The nearest large cities and 2) Some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack