Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1969 S penny that has an imprint of Lincoln on the reverse side The word states in United States of America is not there and the Lincoln memorial is imprinted some of Lincoln as well and the words above the Lincoln memorial are half there also the d in United is missing as well I can tell by looking at it it was double hit or had a penny stuck to it or something to those affects Any help you can give me would be great I've been trying to find out about this penny for a few years but no one seems to have heard of it
Thank you

ANSWER: Hi George:

Thanks for your question.

When asking a question, especially with errors, always provide as much information about your piece as possible. This helps to pinpoint what you may have. Attaching a photo would also help. I'll answer your question as best I can, If you want to ask a follow up question by providing more information, I'll revise my answer or add to it.

From your description, it's likely you have one of several things. (1) A coin that is real, but was altered outside the mint by placing two cents together in a vise and squeezed together;  or (2) A coin that was struck normally, and partially double struck a second time.

The value would depend on what is it. An altered coin would have not added value. A double struck coin may have a value of approximately $50 to $500 depending on condition, and the firmness as well of the amount of the error strike.

You may want to check Ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed and what these errors are going for. You may also want to check out these links on error coin values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/USErrorPrices.asp
http://www.minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

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

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

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QUESTION: Thank you I believe it is real not pressed together it's too clean I can take a picture of it and add if that may help I have not found any one else that has or has heard of this one if it is a one and only one like it in this year or in the S would that make a difference in value?  Thanks

ANSWER: Hi George:

Please make sure to rate both this and the previous question I answered for you.

Yes, I'd like to see a photo of both sides. The "S" mint errors are scarcer than the "P" or "D" mint coins. San Francisco was a smaller facility, and did not strike the large quantity of coins the other branch mints did.  Since 1975, the San Francisco Mint has been used only for proof coinage, with the exception of the Susan B. Anthony dollar from 1979-81 and a portion of the mintage of cents in the early 1980s. The dollars bear a mintmark of an "S", but the cents are otherwise indistinguishable from those minted at Philadelphia (which bear no mintmarks, unlike those years' proof cents from San Francisco and circulation cents from Denver).

An authentic "S" mint double struck cent coin could bring up to several thousand dollars, again, depending on the strike, condition, and amount the coin is struck off center. Major errors on "S" mint coins are quite scarce compared to the other mints, primarily because of smaller quantities and better Quality Control. I'll try and attach a photo for comparison.

You should consider getting the coin authenticated professionally. IGC, NGC, and PCGS slab and grade errors. You would get a better price for the coin in a large auction. Some dealers would likely pay no more than 50 to 60 percent of retail for the coin to resell it. If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Thank You again, and continued Good Luck in your collecting.

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QUESTION: Here is the 1969S penny I hope it helps thanks

Answer
George:

Can you send me a photo of the front? From what I see on the reverse, it appears to be either struck through grease, or possible struck on a thin planchet. Either way, it looks real from what I see. More after I view the obverse of your coin.