Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was counting our penny's and ran across this 1980 D that is thinner(approximately 14 thousandths of an inch),and smaller in diameter (approximately 24 thousandths of an inch),than a standard penny.Some of the fine detail is missing,like the stars next to UNUM,and the Lincoln between the pillars,but the lettering is all there.Is this an error penny?

ANSWER: Hi Terrie:


Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.

From your description, and the attached photo, your coin looks like it may be a rolled thin planchet error, but I can be for sure without seeing the reverse of your coin.  A rolled thin planchet is the result of the planchet strip being rolled too thin at the end of the strip. If you want to ask a follow-up question by attaching a photo of the reverse of your coin, I'll revise my answer, as required.

Your coin is circulated, and from the reverse of your coin, looks like it would grade very fine to extra fine. Your 1980D is not a scarce date, and the coin would likely bring about three to five dollars to an interested collector.

Check ebay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed and what they are 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

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here's the reverse side of the penny. I also have scanned it from the side next to a regular penny if that would help. This only allows me to send one image at a time.

Answer
Hi Terrie:

Thanks for the scan of the reverse, and the follow-up question. That photo confirms what you likely have to be an "acid treated" cent. This coin was altered outside the mint, and I've seen them on both Indian and Lincoln cents. These look the same on both sides, are slightly smaller in diameter than the normal coins, and the lettering, numbers and design is also a bit smaller or thinner than normal. The weight would also be slightly less than a normal cent. These can be considered novelty items, but are not errors and worth no more than a few dollars at most to an interested collector.

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

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 again and continued Good Luck in your collecting.