Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1944 penny

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/6/2010


Question
I have a 1944 penny that appears to have a faint "5" next to the last 4 in the date.
Can you tell me about this coin?
Thanking you in advance,
Margaret

Answer
Hi Margaret:

Thanks for asking me 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 filled die. During striking, the die can get dirt, grease, or machine oil on the surface. When this occurs, the coins being struck have an area that may not get struck with the same clarity or strength of strike as the rest of the coin. The reverse of your coin should look normal. This is a repetitive type error, with possibly hundreds to thousands of coins, and would happen for as long as the die was not cleaned 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 area filled dies can trade for a dollar or two to an interested collector.  Uncirculated filled dies, with one digit faint or missing, can go for a few dollars more.

You may want to check Ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see if your coin is listed and what this error is 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.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.