Expert: Joe Hylas - 12/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I found a circulating penny with an incomplete date.  Date is stamped "199" only.  It appears to me to be in good condition. Is it a rartity? What is it's approximate value?

Thanks

Woody

ANSWER: Hi woody,
The date is engrad=ved onto the dies before the coin is stamped.  However, it was not uncommon for grease to fill the recesses and a letter or number be obliterated.  Thsi is what most likely happened or someone polished off the last number.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US

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

QUESTION: I've checked carefully to see if there are any signs of tampering with the date and there aren't.
I would still like to know if it is a genuine mint error, what is it worth? Also who might be interested in procuring this coin since I am not a collector and have no desire to keep it?

Woody  

Answer
Hi Woody,
The first thing you have to do is have the coin certified as a mint error. This can be done through the Numismatioc Guarantee Corportaion located in Sarasota Florida.  They will cherge approx $35 for this service.  You can find them on the internet at www.NGCCoin.com

After the coin is certified, then you can either sell it privately, or through auction.

As for the value, I have no clue.  It will bring whatever the market will bear.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.ALLCOINS.US