Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 8/21/2007

Question
I found a coin that weighs about 6-7 ounces and appears to be copper.  It is a large Lincoln type penny.  On the front is a bust of Lincoln with a date of 1809 on the left and 1909 on the right and the words " With malice towards none with charity for all".  On the back is written within a circular wreath is "This medal was strvck for the Grand Army of the Republic in Commeration of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln".  I found this coin some time ago and I cannot find anything about it anywhere.  Could you give me an idea about it...Thank you in advance
Jim

Answer
Hello, Jim, you don't have a "coin," you have a "medal."  There were quite a few of these made over the years with various themes -- souvenirs of places and events, like yours commemorates an event.  Try going to www.ebay.com and doing a search for "large lucky penny" and variations on that.  You should see some pieces selling.  Right now, there is one piece that search finds -- one for the 1932-33 Century of Progress fair in Chicago.  You can see what similar pieces (though perhaps with different themes) are being offered for.  Try a similar search at www.google.com.  Jim Lawniczak