Expert: Joe Hylas - 10/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Joe,

I have an image attached of two 1985 pennies. One looks like the finish is bubbled or something, what is this error called? The second has what looks to be an o or 0 stamped in the date. Is this a mint error? Just starting off in coins and trying to figure out what the error types are.

Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi John,
I never saw any images so it make this tough.  1985 pennies are copper plated zinc so I ma guessing it is a problem with the plating.  I have seen numerous example of this and it's no big deal.

As for the other coin, I owuld need to see a photo.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US


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

QUESTION: Sorry about that. I was so wrapped up looking at the anti-spam image to figure out what the letters were I forgot to attach it. Here it is

Answer
Hi John,
The plating error is just that.  The plachet probably had some grease on it.  I have never handled one, I don't specialize in errors.
Check eBay for similar items.

As for the second coin, that is more interesting.  The key is that the "o" is raised like a mintmark meaning that it was the result of the dies.  Since I can't inspect the coin, I suggest you contact the American Numismatic Association and have them authenticate it.

Good Luck
Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US