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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1953 S Lincoln wheat cent
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Question
I am reorganizing remounting of my US cent collection using a microscope. I found a 1953S penny that has the tail of the 5 connects to the S mint mark. What should I do with this coin?
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Hi Ed:
Thanks for your question. Your coin is not that unusual, as many working dies were made to strike cents in the 1950's, each having the mint mark hand punched. This would be considered a minor variation, with the "S" touching the date, and while collectible, is not worth a significant premium above the value of the coin. On value of a coin, condition is critical.
From Wexler's site: "When the Mint started using mint marks (letters) in the early 1800's to identify the various branch mints at which coins were being struck, the mint mark was hand punched into the working dies that would be striking the coins. It was the last portion of the design to be placed on the die. A die maker would take a thin steel rod (punch) that had the mint mark engraved on one end and hold it in place on the working die where the mint mark was to be applied. Using a mallet he tapped an impression of the mint mark into the die." For more information, see: http://doubleddie.com/58243.html This method has since been changed, and any mis-location of the mint mark has been eliminated on today's coins.
To grade your cent, see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_to_grade_lincoln_cents.html
For coin values, see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/LincolnWheat_Memorial_SmallCent_Mintages_PriceGuide....
You may want to check US coin listings under cents on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what it may bring.
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.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your prompt and knowledge about my coin. It was very informative. Ed | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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