Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 1/4/2010

Question
I have a 1971 penny that has no reverse. The obverse looks normal. The reverse has no rim just a smooth surface. I can't find another like it so I don't know what it may be worth. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rusty

Answer
Rusty, I once had a very old U.S. large cent that didn't have any reverse, and when I looked in to that I was told by experts in coin making (metals) that it is not possible to strike a coin on one side only, there has to be both an obverse and a reverse die.  Now, it is possible that one side can be bery weakly struck and perhaps wear could make it very faint, but there should still be some impression.  The most likely explanation (although the only way to be sure is to show it to an expert) is that someone planed off the reverse, leaving a piece as you describe.  Compare the thickness of your piece with the thickness of a regular piece and if your piece is a little less think, that would give support to that possibility, Jim Lawniczak