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Expert: - 2/4/2010


Question
I have a coin collection with many US coins (gold dollars, Susan B), Kennedy halfs, mint dimes, etc...collected over years. In the collection are many Lincoln pennies, from 1930s to 50s, but one coin is very unique and I have no idea what it is. It is slightly smaller and thinner than a current penny, and both sides have RAISED images. On one side is the Liberty Bell, with those two words arcing on the sides, and the date 1776 stamped on the bottom. The reverse side is the Statue of Liberty (again, raised) with 11 stars around the edge. On that side the word Liberty is engraved, as well as 1886. No denomination or any other kind of marking is provided. Do you know this coin?

Answer
Hi Don:

Thanks for your question.

It is hard to give you a precise answer without a photo or actually examining the piece. It sounds like you may have Centennial or Bicentennial token. You didn't mention what metal the item was struck in. Is it copper, brass, or silver in appearance? US coins had the denomination on them. If you can attach a photo, ask a follow-up question, and I'll modify my answer as required.

Based on the size you state, smaller and thinner than a modern cent, it is likely one of the many tokens struck by private mints to commemorate the Centennial/Bicentennial of our nation. These trade regularly on eBay for a dollar or or two each. You may want to check eBay listings in the exonumia category under US coins from time to time to see if coins like yours are listed and what they are going for.

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.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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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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