Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/2/2009

Question
Hey Papa:
I'm the expert over at volleyball, and noticed all your nominations for VOTM!!  CONGRATS!!
Hey, I have a penny that I found in circulation about 20 years ago.  On each side, about half of the coin has been stamped, and the other half is smooth.  So on the front, the back of Lincoln and "Liberty" is on the left side of the coin, while the right side is smooth.
How common is this?  I assume it's not rare.
But how common do these coins get into circulation?
Would this coin be worth any more than 1 cent?  :)   It's in excellent condition.
Tom
www.coachhouser.com

Answer
Hello Tom,                            

I think you are describing an Off-Center-Strike on a coin.
When a coin is not seated in the collar device that hold the outside diameter at the moment it is struck by the top and bottom dies it is an off center strike.  

This is more common with One Cent coins since they are made in so many millions more than other denominations.

In general the coins with more of the design missing are more sought after and those with only a slight part of the design missing may sell for a dollar.

The images of Off Center Cents I am including sell from $4 to $9 dollars depending on the rest of the condition on the coin. Like if the date is still there, if it is still round, the grade and remaining details of what can be seen.

The price realized for an error piece, over the face value, ultimately depends on what an error collector may pay for the particular coin.
It usually has very little added value Less than a dollar and only an interested Error-collector would seek it out.

If you want a dealer to look at the piece for you I can direct you to a trustworthy coin person in your area. Without seeing the coin it is only a guess as to how it was made.

If you write back with
1) The general location (nearest large cities) and,
2) Some postal zip codes in the area of the coin.

Use the private question option by checking the box on the question page. I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

I hope this information helps.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack