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Question
I have had this Indian Head Penny for a while now (see image), and am unsure if it is real or what. The way it is rimmed doesn't make sense, and appears as though it would be very hard to deform a penny into that shape with out completely destorying it. Also there is no date. Please Help.
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If you want a photo of the other side I can send that one to.
Hi Kyle:
Thanks for choosing me to answer your question. I do not need a photo of the other side of your coin.
Your coin appears to be genuine, but altered after it left the mint. It appears to have been "spooned". I'm guessing your coin in question is the same thickness as a "normal" cent. The "spooning" is a technique used to reduce the overall diameter of a coin. This was often done in prison by inmates who had nothing better to do. They used a spoon or similar instrument to repeatedly tap around the circumference of a coin to reduce the size. Over time, the coin could be turned into a ring. An interesting curiosity, but of no added numismatic value.
I've provided two links for you to see what type of other non-error coins exist.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm
For examples of real errors see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page14.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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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I really appreciate such a speedy response. Now that I know why my coin is like that I will treat it with a little extra character. Thank you for all the help. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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