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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1990 penny
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Question
I found a 1990 penny in my daughter's "jar of pennies". It has an imprint of a smiling pumpkin (jack-o-lantern) beside Lincoln's face. On the back of the penny there seems to be some residual "paper" like - as though the penny was ripped off of a piece of some sort of paper. Is it real?
Darlene,
This is one of several different novelty stampings that can be found on pennies dating all the way back to the 1960's. Different designs were stamped into normal pennies for different reasons -- to commemorate something, to denote similarities between two Presidents (Lincoln/Kennedy pennies), to advertise local businesses, to make novelty 50 state collections, etc. This was done by private individuals -- not at the U.S. Mint.
I had not heard of the pumpkin one before, so I don't know what it would have said on the card the coin was at some time glued to, but its value is nominal -- less than 25 cents as a novelty (IF you can find an interested buyer).
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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