Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/19/2009

Question
On my 1981 D penny, the second "1" in the date is clearly backwards. Is this common?

Answer
Hello Robert,                     

No this is not common and is usually the result of someone altering the coin.
Is the numeral 1 raised the same as the opposite digit?

The dies that produce coins are backwards and produce a forward facing image when they impart the design to the coin blank.
There were no dies made that had the digits reversed.

The coin would have to be seen to be properly evaluated but it may be a freak thing with a novelty value.
Only error coins made from error dies carry a premium value to collectors, not mechanical miss-haps.

I hope this information helps. Feel free to write me back if you need more information or with any question on USA Coins.

Good Luck
PapaJack