Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/22/2009

Question
I have a 1952 D penny which the 9 looks like a giant comma and the D looks almost like a dot.
I have a 1989 D penny which the D is actually falling off.  
I was wondering if there is anything to these pennies or if this was normal.  I have another 1989 that doesn't look this way and the 1952 other coin does not look like this as well.  Could you help me please?
Thanks C.

Answer
Hello Cindy,                     

This is not by any means normal but that is not to say it does not happen.

These coins have been defaced either during the manufacture or after they left the mint.
Many times I have seen coin rolling machines leave marks on the coins when sealing the end f a roll.
This would easily explain the D mint mark looking like it is “actually falling off” the coin.

The defective digit and mint mark on the 1952 coin is usually caused by a filled die.
Missing letters and weak strikes are usually caused by a filled die error. Grease and debris commonly get caught in the recesses of the dies as they produce coins. When the dies close on the coin blank the portion of the die filled with this grease or debris won’t let the metal flow into it.

The digits in the date are so small and not deeply recessed into the die that they easily become filled and therefore do not strike properly.
Sometimes more than one digit are missing from the date or lettering.

Both these coins have no premium value to collectors since they are not fully struck! Someone may pay for it as a novelty but it would be less than a dollar.

As shown by your other coins of the same type and date this defect, although very common, rarely repeats the misprint in exactly the same way on the next coin struck with the same die set. It is a random occurrence and happens in every mint coin run. The coins are not considered more valuable than any other since it is a random defect.

If you want a dealer to look at the piece for you just write and  give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes I will refer you to an expert in your area.

Thank You and Good Luck,

PapaJack