Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 92 Jefferson Monticello nickel that was minted on a penny copper, all the writing is clear and the same as a regular nickel. It is the size of a regular nickel but as thin as a dime.
It is a real nickel but minted on a penny,,,,Any help about it would be appreciated,,,,Thank You...

ANSWER: Hi Harold:

Thanks for your question.

Without a photo or more of a description, I can't really tell you if you have a nickel struck on a cent. It may be an error or an altered coin. From your limited description, it sounds like you may have a normal nickel that was acid treated and plated.  As an altered coin, your piece would have no added numismatic value. It also could be a nickel struck on a cent planchet. This would have a retail value of between $250 to $350, depending on the strike and condition of the coin. It would weigh the same a normal cent, 2.5 grams. It should be slightly smaller in diameter than a nickel, or at least not be exactly round and even all away around the edge of the coin. If you want to give me more of a description, or send photos of your coin in a follow-up question, I'll revised my answer, if required, in your follow-up question.

Sometimes people try and fool you into thinking you have a real 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: This is the image on the 92 nickle that I discussed with you.  I hope the image will help.

Answer
Hi Again Harold:

Thanks for the follow-up question, and the photos. From the photo, it appears you likely have a nickel struck on a cent planchet. Again, this would have a retail value of between $250 to $350, depending on the strike and condition of the coin. Look at your coin closely under magnification, because it could be a nickel struck on a struck cent rather than a cent blank. If so, the value would more than double. A nickel struck on a struck cent can sell for up to $2000, depending on date, mintmark, and condition.

Please remember to rate my answer. Only about half of the people asking questions even read my replies, and even fewer rate them. This is the only way I know I'm helping you.