Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/2/2009

Question
Good evening.  I have found a 1964 Lincoln penny, that is completely blank on the reverse side (no lincoln memorial or anything else).  The face side is normal.  The coin has no no mint mark.  The penny appears to be of normal weight and thickness.  I was curious if this was a common error coin and what the value might be.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hello David,                                        

I think you have an altered coin. This mistake is nearly impossible and I have never seen one where the opposite side is correct.

But I know nothing is impossible. So you could have an error but is would not sell for too much if it is real less than $14 it has to be examined to be authenticated.

The Anvil or bottom die is stationary below the collar that holds the loaded one cent blank.
The coins are fed into the collar very fast after the raised edge is (rim) imparted to the blank. If two blanks were stuck together it should not have gone into the feeder mechanism but I have been told it has happened in the past leaving one blank with only the head side and the other with only the tails side.  

Usually if a blank was stuck on the anvil die when the Hammer die came down it would have spread the coin (broad struck) since it was not held in the collar. All I have seen are made off center and have a depressed image of the coin that was stuck on the anvil die.

Sorry I cannot be more help. The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this. If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or an error coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

Please remember to make your question private. This answer is only for you to get your coin looked at.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack