Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1999 lincoln cent

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Expert: - 2/25/2011


Question

1999 D lincoln cent
Ron, I found this coin that appears to have a 'growth' of some sort on the back of Lincoln's head.  The reverse side is corroded pretty bad; however, there are a couple of similar 'growths' on the reverse.  Although I havent been collecting coins very long this is the first time I've seen this.  Is this corrosion waiting to break through or, perhaps, something unique.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Jim:

Thanks for your question.

With odd or unusual coins, it is always best to provide as much information as possible or a photo of both sides of your piece when asking a question. Does your coin weigh the same as a normal cent? Is it the same thickness? If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide another photo of the back of the coin or more information, I'll revise my answer, if required.  

From your photo, it is likely that your coin is not an error, but came in contact with a foreign substance (like glue), causing the lump on part of the obverse. There also could be a problem with the copper plating on the zinc core, causing it to bubble. This likely happened after the coin was struck. Heat sometimes causes this effect on the copper plated zinc cents. As an altered coin, it would have no added numismatic value.

Sometimes people try and fool you into thinking you have a real error coin. Here are examples of coins either being altered or damaged.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

Check eBay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are 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
http://coinauctionshelp.com/page14.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. 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.

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.

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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