You are here:

Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Is this an error penny struck through a foreign substance?

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/11/2010


Question

Error Cent?
I am an avid penny collector , and have recently sorted out a large collection of wheat backs and had an interesting find. Im wondering if A coin that I have is A) Double struck on the back because there seems to be two E's on ONE or B) If the coin is struck through ducktape (?) it appears that the reverse of the coin has a strange pattern struck into it. I have photos and would love to know your opinion.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Jay:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.

From your description, and the attached photo, it looks like you may have a laminated planchet. A laminated planchet is the result of the alloy for the planchet being incorrectly mixed. The result would be a flaked or peeled planchet. I could not see a doubled "E" on the reverse, or what you thought was duct tape.

Your coin is heavily circulated, and from the reverse of your coin, looks like it would grade a good to very good. You didn't say what date or mint mark is on the coin, but unless it is a scarce date, the coin would likely bring about a dollar or two 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.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentAmazing in depth answer in a very fast amount of time. Thank you for your knowledge and for taking your time to evaluate my coin.


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

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.