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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/I have a penny that's thicker than normal.

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Expert: - 3/30/2010


Question

penny
I dont have one of those super sensitive scales, but its also pretty noticeably heavier than normal too. Just curious if its worth holding on to.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kyle:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

Without the specifics as to the weight difference, it is difficult to give you an exact opinion of what you may have. The photo serves to imply that it is not on a different type planchet or coin of another denomination. It may be on planchet stock that was not properly rolled to the correct thinness before it was blanked out. Another possibility could be the rim edge is thicker, but the coin weight the same.

Thick planchets that weigh about one third more or greater than normal can sell for up to $65 to $85. One with only thick rims that weigh the same are not worth any significant amount.

Check ebay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed. 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 coin shop, they should offer you an opinion as to what you have and it's value 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
    CommentI went ahead and ordered a scale. I figured it would be wise since searching for errors is a new hobby. I hope its okay to fill you in with the new information of its weight when I get it. Thanks.


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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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