Expert: Ronald Fern - 10/4/2009

Question
I have a penny which is incomplete.  You can see the most of Lincoln's profile and some lettering on the reverse, but the rest of the imprint isn't there - it's almost like whatever mold was used didn't make a complete engraving or was worn out.  Even the portions visible lack the type of relief you see in other coins.  I don't know when the coin was printed because there's no date.  Is this sort of coin of any value to collectors?  I've never seen anything like it.  Thanks
P.S.  If you think a picture will help, I can try to take one of it.

Answer
Hi Stella:

A photo or as much information always helps to narrow the possibilities down to try and establish what you have. If you want to ask a follow up question by attaching a photo or additional data, by weighing the coin or comparing it's thickness to another cent, I'll revise or add to my answer. I'll do the best I can with the data you provided.

It sounds like you could have an error cent that may fall into one of these categories: (1) A filled die, (2) A die trial type strike, or (3) A coin struck on a thin planchet. If your coin is the same thickness as a regular cent, then it is either (1) or (2). If you coin is thinner than a regular coin, then it is likely a (3).

(1) A filled die error happens when "mint goop", (a combination of lubricant, dirt, and metal shavings), covers a portion of the obverse die surface that struck your cent blank. The reverse of your coin would likely be normal, but the "mint goop" could be on both dies. Filled die errors will usually have areas closer to the edge or rim missing detail. The center portion of the coin should be stronger. (2) A die trial type strike happens when the presses start up or shut down, and the normal die pressure used to get the full impression on the coin is missing. On this type of error, the design is the strongest on the edge or rim of the coin and decreases in strength as it goes to the center of the coin. (3) A thin planchet error happens when the blank intended for the cent is thinner than normal. It is possible the blank is dime thickness, but all blanks are made outside the mint since the early 1980's, and are checked both by the manufacturer and by the mint before they are used, so it's not too likely. It also could have been rolled thin, or the blank split before it was struck. I've provide a link with error types and you can review. http://coinauctionshelp.com/page14.html

The value of your coin depends on the condition as well as the error type. (1) Filled dies normally sell for $2 to $5, but a major loss of detail to one or both sides could bring up to $20 to $25 to an interested error collector. (2) Die trial type strikes on cents can sell for $50 to $65, and (3) A cent struck in a thin planchet would bring in the $10 to $25 range.

Should you decide to sell your item to a dealer, realize they pay as little as 50% to 60% of retail, so you would get less then retail value.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.