Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/6/2007

Question
Hello Jack,
I've been looking online for awhile now and recently found this site. I found a 1991 penny that was gold in color with no mint markings, and it has an extremely brilliant shine to it.  Almost a reflective appearance. I have had this coin in my possession since 1991 and it has not become tarnished or discolored any more than the gold appearance i found it in. I was curious mainly about the mint marking not being printed but the color is a bit intriguing.

Answer
Hello Matt,                 

How clear is the Obverse of the coin? Is the design very strong and detailed?

I have heard of a few ways of this happening:
There was always the possibility of an off-metal coin blank getting stuck in the bins the mint used and ending up in another production run. (This error would have to be confirmed by an expert.)

Get a good magnifier and a light source. Examine the edge on the coin at all angles.

If the surface was kind of rough under magnification or pimply it sounds like it may have been in a chemical bath.
(Perhaps in a plating shop where they strip chrome and nickel plating all day.) Also someone may have plated the coin. Usually an error leaving the mint will be fairly well struck.
Many people have coins plated or gold-wash especially the new state quarters. This imparts a gold color and protective film on them. But it is a gimmick to sell coins and adds no value.

If you still suspect it to be a genuine error it needs to be checked by a specialist. If it is a genuine error, it will have numismatic value. But it cannot be estimated without a knowledgeable coin person seeing it.

The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this. If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Again most likely the copper coating has been plate or residue on them. This renders then worthless to true coin collectors. Only if the coins had come from the U.S. Mint this way would they be valuable.

I hope this information Helps.

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Good Luck