Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/4/2010

Question
hello i have 2 uncoated steel pennies one 1991  and one 1992 the 1992 is a full ring size larger then the 1991 or any other penny; is there any value to these coins  

Answer
Hi George:

Thanks for your question. Without a photo, or the weight, thickness and diameter of your coins, it is difficult to say exactly what you may have. You could have an unplated cent or a cent struck on a dime blank. It also could be an altered coin. This would be a plated coin or a coin that had the copper removed by putting it in acid. I can't really tell by the description you provided.

If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide a photo, or the specifics, I'll revise my answer. Unplated cents retail for between $35 and $85 to an interested collector. Cents struck on dime blanks would range in value from around $250 to $350, depending on  condition. Altered coins would have no added numismatic value.

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

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.