Expert: Ronald Fern - 6/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have found a 1989 P mint dime that the obverse side is kind of off center, but the reverse is centered. It also has a cud spot on the E in the word ONE. Is this a common find in error coins?

ANSWER: Hi Amanda:

Thanks for your question.

It is difficult to answer your question without a photo or seeing the coin, but I'll try. If you want to ask a follow-up question by providing a photo of the coin, or more of a description, I'll modify the answer, if required. From your description, you could have a double error coin.  An obverse misaligned die with a reverse die chip on the "E" of "ONE" dime. The misaligned die error happens when one of the dies is out of alignment with the retaining collar and other die. When the blank planchet goes into the die chamber only part of the blank is struck on the out of alignment die. The other side looks "normal". The die chip error happens when a portion of the die breaks away during the striking of the coins. The die break forms a blob where the break occurred. This combined error would sell for about $10 to $15  to an interested collector.

You may want to check ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see if your error is 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. If you should decide to sell your coin to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. 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: I hope this attached picture will help you understand my former question.

ANSWER: Hi Again Amanda:

Thanks for the follow-up question with the reverse side of your coin. This is the more minor of the two possible errors. It does appear to be a die chip as I had suggested from your description. I'm unable to verify the possible misaligned die error without a photo of the front side of your coin. I stand by my original reply and estimate of the value of your coin.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate both this answer as well as my original response. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have. Getting rated is the only way I know if my efforts make a difference. To rate an answer, go to the "Thank/rate the expert" button and click. You are allowed to rate four areas of the reply, and please notice the question about a "Nomination" for Expert of the Month. I would really appreciate your "Yes", which I hope you believe that I deserve. If you have any more questions, I'll try and accommodate you. Please recommend me to your friends that collect coins.

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Thanks again for the opportunity to help you with your numismatic questions, and continued Good Luck in your collecting.

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

QUESTION: I also found this 1970 S Penny....I am having trouble fiquring out if this is a small date high 7....It looks the same to me!

Answer
Hi Amanda:

Check out this link for date comparisons: http://koinpro.tripod.com/Articles/1970S1cSmAndLgDtCompare.htm

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thanks again for the opportunity to help you with your numismatic questions, and continued Good Luck in your collecting.