Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Miss printed penny

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Expert: - 12/5/2006


Question
I was wondering if a stamped penny that only has about half the stamp on it is valuable. The date is unreadable on the last number. It's a 197 8 or 9 or maybe a 3. Can you tell me if it's a penny to hang on to or sell or toss? Thank you for your time. :o))

Answer
Hi Karen,
What you have is called an "Offcenter Strike".  They really aren't that rare, they are measured by the % the coin is struck offcenter.  The greater the offcenter striking, the more valuable.
Yours sounds like a minor offcenter since you can read 3 of the digits of the date.  These trade for about $5 each

Regards
Joe Hylas

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Joe Hylas

Expertise

Numismatic professional with over 30 years experience can answer your questions about US coins, their values, how best to sell them and where to buy them. Interested in starting a collection? Find out which areas are undervalued and how to acquire those coins at the best price.

Experience

Ex-Head Precious Metals trader for Deak-Perera International with 42 offices worldwide. Industry experience since 1978. Has worked co-operatively with US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Austrian Mint, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International. Professioanl numismatist specializing in US Coins. Always buying collections, will travel if size of collection warrants. Website: www.AllCoins.US

Organizations
PCGS, NGC, Rotary

Publications
Physician's Money Digest

Education/Credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Awards and Honors
Paul Harris Fellow

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