Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/24/2011

Question
I have a Lincoln Memorial Penny dated 1916. The Lincoln Memorial Penny first minted in the 1950's, so why does my penny say 1916?

Answer
Hi Renee:

Thanks for your question.

You are right. The memorial reverse was first minted in 1959. Without a photo or more of a description, it is impossible for me to say what you may have. With unusual coins, it is always best to provide as much information as possible or a photo when asking a question. Does your coin weigh the same as a normal wheat cent? Is it the same thickness and diameter? If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide another photo of the front of the coin or more information, I'll revise my answer, if required.  

You may have an altered coin where someone split two cents in half and glued them together. A 1916 cent and a memorial type struck after 1958. You should be able to see a glue line along the edge or back side where they were joined together. If you drop your coin from a height of about three feet onto a glass surface or table, it should make a dull sound if in fact it was made of two coins. A real coin should make a ringing sound. As an altered coin, it would have no added numismatic value.

For more information on the coin series, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_(United_States_coin)

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. 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.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.