Expert: PAPAJACK - 5/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: This 1990 (no mint) penny is just slightly smaller than a nickel, but not as thick. All the features of a penny seem to be present and proportionate--just larger than a typical penny. The shape of the coin is not perfectly round, but is a bit elongated from the "Liberty" side to the date. Also, the rim on the "Liberty" side is somewhat thicker than the rest of the coin. It looks as though the copper coloring has been worn off, giving the coin the appearance of a dirty, brownish nickel. Possibly, this penny has been passed off as a nickel more often than not--that's what we mistook if for. Am wondering if this is a genuine minted coin, or some novelty piece. Your thoughts are very much appreciated!

-Gloria

ANSWER: Hello Gloria,          

It is impossible to tell without seeing the coin but this sounds like it has been squeezed unevenly.

The 1990 cent is a zinc core with a copper plating on it. The mint strikes both sides at one time and the coins image would not be intact if it had not been seated between the dies properly.
The plating worn on one part of the coin leads me to believe this.

If you are still in doubt I am happy to direct you to a coin person in your area.
If you write back with your general location like the nearest large cities,  some local telephone area codes And some Postal Zip codes as well for your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy. Or there is help at most large coin shows.

Please remember to rate this answer at the bottom of this page. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: PapaJack,
Thank you for your quick response. I think it would be interesting to find out what a coin person has to say after looking at this penny. I'm in the Greensboro, NC area, with Raleigh, NC over an hour away to the east and Charlotte, NC about the same distance to the west. Area code for Greensboro is 336 and some zips are 27401-27420. Raleigh area code is 919 and some zips are 27601-27629. Charlotte: area codes are 704/980 and zips are 28201-28244.

Again, thank you for your response.

--Gloria

Answer
Hello again Gloria,          

Here are some near you as requested,

AAA Coins And Bullion
2313 Randleman Rd
Greensboro , NC 27406-3603
Phone: (336) 273-4698


Ashmore Rare Coins
3224 Cheswick Dr
Greensboro , NC 27410-8652
Phone: (336) 337-8086


Gold N Silver Shop
4612 W Market St #C
Greensboro , NC 27407-1385
Phone: (336) 292-4017
E-mail: MJohnson33@triad.rr.com


Louis Hudson Rare Coins
PO Box 4994
Greensboro , NC 27404-4994
Phone: (336) 852-4971


The Silver Shop
2313 Randleman Rd
Greensboro , NC 27406-3603
Phone: (910) 272-9358

I hope this helps and if you need more feel free to ask.

Please remember to rate this answer at the bottom of this page. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack