Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 4/9/2009

Question
I have an old penny that doesn't have a back. And when I say does not have a back I mean the Whole Back is missing, not just missing the stamp of the back. What does that mean?

Answer
Melanie, I have been told by coin making experts that a coin can't be made without a die on both sides.  Thus, although very weak strikes are possible, no strikes are not.  Usually if one side of a coin is "missing" it was because it was planed off after it was made.  Check to see if your piece isn't a bit thinner than the normal cent, Jim Lawniczak