Expert: Dan Moore - 3/26/2007

Question
Hi,

I recently found a penny that i had for probably a few years now (i have no idea how i acquired it) its a Lincoln cent, 1988 D. And was hoping you could provide me with some info if you have seen any like this, i can provide you pictures too.

I dont know about grading but the coin appears to be in really nice shape on both sides. I put it in a plastic protector after i found these error is will explain.

The first error appears to be Doubling on the date 1988, most apparent on the 88 in which the doubling is noticeable to the naked eye when the coin is slightly tilted. This also seems to be on the D mint mark as well.

The second error i saw, was on the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial. It appears as though on the second pillar to the right of where Abe sits is a S ( or most of an s) going Around the pillar and it looks like a snake wrapping around it. You cant see it with the naked eye but can with some magnification, when it was magnified it was very evident and cool looking. Also while that side was magnified the last thing i noticed was a very small somewhat black or black number 50 above the T in CENT, which is not at all noticeable to the naked eye.

There also could be other errors as well, the coin seems to be a bit off center or mis struck.

I am wondering if you have ever seen anything like this or heard of this error on this specific dated coin as i have been unable to find any information on it and would desperately like some kind of info on this. I will be able to provide you with pictures if would like also. Im not looking to sell this coin, but if you could guesstimate (estimate) an approximate value that would be very great.

I really appreciate any possible information you could offer.

Thank you

Answer
Hi Shaun,

Interesting coin you have there.

There are no known doubled die errors for that date, so the doubling in the date would have to be due to some kind of strike doubling.

The other things you mention would either have to be caused by imperfections in the coin blank, something in the die when the coin was struck, or were intentionally added by somebody after the coin left the mint.

In any case, while the coin is interesting, it would be difficult to find any collector that would be willing to pay more than a couple dollars for it.

Keep searching!

Dan