Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Misprinted Penny

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Expert: - 4/22/2010


Question
I found a penny that had absolutely no markings on it in a role of pennies I broke last night working. It was among other 2009 pennies that were untouched. The penny is shaped like a penny but there is no heads or tales, it's simply blank. How much do you think this is worth?

Answer
Hi Auston,
This is a blank planchet (also called a flan) - the piece of shiny metal on which the heads and tails are then struck by being sandwiched between two heavy metal molds. It's not uncommon for a blank one to slip past inspectors and wind up among someone's coins. They are not widely collected and would be worth just a dollar or two. Still not bad, considering it's face value would be 1 cent.
Thanks for the question! =)

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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