Expert: Dan Moore - 8/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dan,

I found these two pennies in pocket change. Are they worth keeping? Should I get them authenticated?

Thanks,

Dan

ANSWER: Dan,

Your coin has either been altered after it left the mint, or there was a foreign substance (like machine grease) in the die when the coin was struck.

In either case, these coins are worth a dollar or less apiece.

Dan


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

QUESTION: Dan,

I thought that I had sent two different photos. The other one is attached. I have determined that the block and letters are raised. My original question?

Thanks!

Dan

ANSWER: I would still have to believe this was something done after the coin left the mint -- perhaps with a kind of reverse punch. Note the markings on the rim.  Is the back side slightly flattened in that area?

Dan


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

QUESTION: Hi Dan,

I took a close look at the back side directly opposite the stamping. If anything it appears raised. A slightly rounded "hump" is visible under a microscope. Its between the A (last letter) and the designer's initials. Is visible edge on as well.

Thanks ~Dan

Answer
I may not know the exact process used, but it has to be something that was done after the coin left the mint.  It's virtually impossible for something like this to be a unique situation if it happened at the mint -- there would have to be other examples known.

Dan