Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 12/30/2007

Question
I have a 1979 penny that is imprinted on one side but the other side has no print except something that looks like an "e" or part of the white house imprinted.
Was curious if this is a known error and if worth anything


Answer
Hello Debbie.  It is impossible to stamp a coin only on one side, there must be a die on both sides.  However, one side can be very WEAKLY struck, which is what might have happened in your case.  Weak strikes generally don't have much additional value.  Another possibility is that someone, after minting, planed off the rev. of your coin.  In that case, your coin should be thinner than usual.  Try going to www.ebay.com and doing a search for weak strike cent and weak strike penny, you may see some like yours, Jim Lawniczak