Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ron,

My name is Dan, and I'm up in NH. I came across an 1897
Indian Head that seems to be struck on a dime. It is
extremely thin (about 1/2 the size of a normal Barber Dime)
but it has the copper color to it, and it's exactly the same
size as a Barber. I have collected, as well as bought and
sold for a few years but this coin has stumped me. My first
presumption was that this coin was a fake; but then I
noticed the reeded edge that most coins, dimes and up have
and I thought that that would be extremely difficult to
reproduce. When you drop it on a table it also sounds just
like dropping a barber dime (or silver in general). I have
attached pictures, please let me know what you think your
verdict is. I have more pictures, please email me at
for them.

Thanks,

Dan

ANSWER: Dan:

Thanks for the question. Only the reverse photo was sent with your question. From the photo, I believe what you may have is a regular cent that was altered by acid treating it. This tends to reduce the overall size, thickness, design and lettering. Does the obverse look the same? The reeding puzzles me. If you want to ask a follow-up question, and attach other photos or add to the description, I'll revise my answer, if required.

As an altered coin, it would have no added numismatic value.

Sometimes people try and fool you into thinking you have an error coin. Here are some examples of coins either being altered or damaged.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

Here are two sites to check actual real error values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/userrorprices.asp
http://minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what this type of item may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response. I could only attach one picture so
here is the front. EMail daniel dot tinkham at gmail dot com

Answer
Hi Dan:

Thanks for the extra photos. I rejected two of the questions after looking at the pics. They help me to feel confident that what you have is indeed an acid treated coin. If you want to discuss it further, or send more photos, my e-mail address is coingye@yahoo.com. Thanks, and please rate my original reply.