Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/17/2010

Question
My son found a penny in fair to good condition with a date of
198(the fourth digit being blank). There is no mint mark. Is
this a common error? Thanks for the help.
Mike

Answer
Hi Michael:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity on answering your question.

From your description, it appears what you have is a filled die error. While it is an error, it is relatively common, and would be repetitive, as a die error, with a number of similar coins being struck. These would continue until the machine operator checked or observed the error. Hundreds to thousands could have been struck. It is a result of some "mint goop" (a combination of lubricant, dirt, and metal shavings), covering a portion of the obverse die surface, in the area of the date, that struck your cent blank. The reverse of your coin should be normal.

I've provided a site for your review with photos of Lincoln cent error types and definitions. The link: http://www.lincolncentresource.com/index.html

You may also want to view photos of Lincoln Cents to firm up the grade of your coin. I think it may be better than you say. See: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_to_grade_lincoln_cents.html

As far as value, a coin only in Fair condition would be worth maybe ten cents to a quarter to an interested collector, and worth only face value as a collector coin without the error. An error of this type in Uncirculated condition would be worth about $2 to $5 to an interested collector. You may also want to view the error coin listings on eBay for "filled die" to get additional pricing information. Here's the link: http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=error+filled%26_armrs=1%26_from=%26_ipg=%26_sop...

Hope this gives you the information you were looking for. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.