Expert: Joe Hylas - 1/21/2011

Question
1961 Single sided penny.  I had it checked at a coin shop as to the weight and thickness.  It was correct on weight and thickness.  They said it happens all the time and it was not worth anything.  What is your opinion and if it is worth anything besides a cent and who should I have authenticate it?

Answer
Hi Joe,
Do you know the old saying "Don't believe everything you hear"?

It doesn't happen all the time.  When a coin is struck, the blank planchet (coin blank) is fed into the press.  Simultaneously the obverse (front) and reverse (back) dies strike the coin.  I have never handled a genuine one side coin that was not an error or a trial strike.

If the weight and thickness and diameter are all correct, you may have something of value.

I would definitely have the coin looked at again by someone else.  You can have it certified/authenticated by Numismatic Guarantee Corp  (www.NGCCoin.com) for about $35

Good luck and when you know more about it and if it is genuine, I am interested in either purchasing it outright, or placing the coin for you.

Regards,
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
800-474-6960