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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/counterbrockage error wheat penny w/ quarter strike

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Expert: - 12/9/2010


Question

12 8 coins 026
I asked you about this coin prior, what the value would be of this counterbrockage error wheat penny. I now have pictures of the coin to add. The observe is raised with lincolns body, but the head outline also has a us quarter strike of washingtons head over lincolns head. Also part of a liberty strike from a quarter. Thanks, Chris

Answer
Hi Chris:

Thanks for the photo. This confirms what you have is actually a counterbrockage cent error. The head you speak of is an expanded Lincoln along with the "TY" of "LIBERTY", and not Washington.

A counterbrockage error involves a capped die and a previously struck coin. When a capped die strikes a previously struck coin, the obverse design from that struck coin will be impressed into the cap. The result will be a design where the cap face will be an incuse brockage. When a new blank is struck by this capped die with an incuse brockage image, the obverse will have a raised and spread image from that incuse design of the cap. This brockage impression is known as a counterbrockage. Your coin is a late counterbrockage. An earlier one would look much more like the original strike and be less distorted. A counterbrockage is scarcer than a brockage. The reverse of your coin should be normal.

Counterbrockage strikes can likely bring between $50 to $150, depending on the stage  and condition of the coin.

Again, 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.

Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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