Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: Good morning Mr Fern,

Is it possible that what I've found is authentic? Where would the reeding come from? Reeding is uniform and deeper than on a dime or quarter. Haven't compared it to a half yet. Will eventually get it to a third party grader. Would like your opinion...thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Steve:

Thanks for your question. With odd or unusual coins, it is always best to provide as much information as possible or a photo when asking a question. I know of no reeded cent. It is possible it is on a struck dime or a foreign reeded coin struck at the US Mint. It likely is an altered coin. Altered coins would have no added numismatic value.  If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide a photo or more information, I'll revise my answer, if required.  The weight, diameter and thickness, along with the metal color or content would help.

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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Mr Fern,

Thank you for the response. If I can trouble you to check out the image, I'd appreciate it. I hope to take it Sarasota and have a rep from NGC take a look at it. The reeded cent appears to be slightly larger than other cents, although I have not measured it. Thank you again.

Steve

Answer
Hi Again Steve:

Thanks for the follow-up question with a photo of your reeded cent.

From the photo, it appears your coin had the reeding added mechanically after it was struck. I believe it to be an altered coin, but you are wise to have an NGC rep look at it.

Good Luck, and let me know what you find out.