Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/10/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have had this penny since 1977 like it says on the coin, and found it in a box while cleaning.  Thought you might tell me if it has any value from a mold mistake on it.  At the top left side of Lincoln's head, where (In God) should be, it has a blob of copper that ran from the mold I'm assuming and looks as though someone dropped a blob of copper there.

ANSWER: Hi Marie:

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.

It's possible you may have a cent struck by a broken die. This type of error is known as a "cud". During striking, the die can crack as it is used, getting larger, and at times, breaking away. When the break occurs, the coins being struck have a raised surface, or blob of material where the die break happened. The reverse of your coin will have a weakly struck area where the die break is. This is a repetitive type error, with possibly hundreds to thousands of coins, and would happen for as long as the die was used or caught by the inspector or mechanic.

As far as value, it would depend on the condition of the coin and the size of the error. Circulated small cuds trade for a dollar or two. Large cuds can go for up to $20 to $25, and uncirculated cuds can go for up to $100, depending on size. You may want to check Ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see 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.

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

QUESTION: Here is a picture of the penny you requested in the email this morning.

Answer
Hi Again Marie:

Thanks for the photo. It confirms you have what is called a "cud" error. Your coin appears to be either a toned AU or UNC coin, and the size of the error, along with the date and condition, would make the value of it about $20 to $25 to an interested collector.

Please remember to go to the "Thank/rate the expert" button and click for both my first and this answer. You are allowed to rate four areas of the reply, and please notice the question about a "Nomination" for Expert of the Month. I would really appreciate your "Yes", which I hope you believe that I deserve.

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