Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 1/12/2007

Question
I have a 1975, no mint mark penny, with a "pro" or well defined  freemasonry die stamp on the front of it. with a "W" on the back of die stamp.. looking for info, or price worth.

Answer
Bernie, often people (including novelty sellers) stamp items on cents (example, picture of Kennedy, a pipe for Lincoln to smoke, map outlines for the various 50 states), and then sell them for a dollar or so as novelty items.  Sounds like this is one of those (though I've not before heard of a freemason stamp).  This is not a mint error, and therefore, not particularly sought after.  Thus, the item has novelty value only.

I just did a search for stamped cents on eBay (www.ebay.com) and found one with a masonic stamp on it.  Do a search for 1946 stamped cent and you should find it.  It has no bids yet at an opening price of about $2.  

Jim Lawniczak