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Question
Hello, I just found a penny that is missing the front of the coin. By this I mean the entire layer of copper is missing and you can see the zinc disc that would be under the front. Obviously I can not tell the year it was minted. However, I do think it is a real penny. The back looks correct and I know that pennies are now copper clad zinc. Please let me know if this is something that is rare or does this happen a lot. Thank you.
Troy,
This is an altered coin. The face was removed so the coin could be used to make a magician's coin -- you know those two-headed of penny/dime mule trick coins.
As it is, it has no value, and you probably can't even spend it.
I can tell you that it's 1982 or newer -- that's the year pennies converted to being made almost entirely from zinc.
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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