Have Error Coins? Here’s How To Tell A Normal Or Altered Coin From A Real Coin Error

by

Joshua

Coin Collecting 101, Hobbies & Crafts

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error-coinsError coins are something that a lot of readers here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins ask about in the comments section.

I’ve seen many people post photos of real error coins that they’ve found in their spare change, and it’s always exciting for me to tell them that they’ve found a rare, valuable, or unique  coin error.

Many times, though, I have the unfortunate duty to tell some readers that their “error” coins are really just damaged, altered, or simply normal.

I’m going to share with you below some of the most common types of error coins people often ask me about (or coins that some people think are errors) so you can find out if you indeed have a real coin error… or not.

Examples Of Legit U.S. Mint Error Coins

Here are 3 common types of error coins that came from U.S. Mint facilities:

#1 – 1990 no-S Lincoln Penny Error

This is one of the most common coin errors people ask me about.

They found a 1990 penny without a mintmark and, understandably, think they have 1 of the 200 or so 1990 no-S Lincoln cents worth between $1,500 and $3,000.

However, the 1990 no-S Lincoln Memorial penny is a die variety unique only to proof Lincoln cents from that year.

99.9 percent of the 1990 Lincoln pennies with no “S” mintmark are actually regular 1990 pennies made at the Philadelphia Mint, which struck more than 6 billion one-cent coins that year.

Here’s a 1990 no-S error penny (from a proof set):

1990 No S Penny Error Coins

And here’s a 1990 penny from the Philadelphia Mint:

1990 No S Penny Error Coins

I bet you can pretty quickly tell the difference between the 2 coins. The 1990 no-S penny has:

  • Shiny, mirror-like fields
  • Frosty devices
  • Squared-off, wire-like rims
  • Sharp details throughout

If you have a coin that looks like the bottom coin, it’s worth face value.

#2 – Doubled Die Error Coins

A lot of people post photos of coins that they think are doubled dies. Some of them are, but most of them aren’t.

Doubled Die Error Coins

Determining a doubled die coin versus one that isn’t is rather difficult. You see, every doubled die coin has its own diagnostics (things that a coin collector will look for to ensure whether or not a coin is in fact a doubled die).

To understand what makes a doubled die, you need to first understand that a doubled die coin isn’t a coin that was struck twice. Rather, it’s a coin struck by a die on which part of its design was doubled. Here’s how it works:

  • The die is imprinted by a machine called a hub.
  • When the hub creates a secondary, misaligned image on the coin, that’s when a doubled die coin is created.
  • This doubled die will then strike out potentially hundreds, even thousands, of doubled die coins — such is the case with the 1955 doubled die penny. Some coin analysts think 20,000 of these 1955 doubled die pennies were made.

Machine doubling occurs when the die that strikes a coin reverberates off the coin twice (or more times). This usually creates a stair-like secondary image of some or all of the details on a coin.

Here’s a video of a guy who found a machine doubled 1969-S Lincoln cent:

Could this be a $100,000 Penny? 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent found in COIN ROLL

Here’s a real 1955 doubled die. You’ll note the doubling is extraordinarily clear and matches the appearance of the original strike:

1955 Red Double Die Penny | Rare Coins Collection | Sahara Coins

#3 – Bubbled Coin Errors

Have you found any coins with bubbles in them? I’ve found coins like this, and so have many readers here at The Fun Times Guide.

These bubbled coins are usually dimes or quarters, but they might also be half dollars or one dollar coins.

In virtually all cases, the bubble coins were made since 1965.

What’s going on? What’s a coin with a bubble worth?

When a copper-nickel clad coin is exposed to extreme heat — such as fire — the layers of metal cladding begin to expand and separate, thus causing the bubbles. Such coins are worth face value.

On post-1981 zinc Lincoln cents, or so-called Zincoln pennies, tiny bubbles are called plating blisters. They’re caused by gas bubbles that were trapped between the coin’s zinc core and copper plating. These are generally not worth anything unless the bubbles are particularly large.

Examples Of Normal U.S. Coins That Have Been Altered

Here are examples of 6 otherwise normal U.S. coins that have been altered in some way:

1) Two-Headed Coins

A Washington quarter with 2 heads — 1 dated 1986, the other 1993.

A Lincoln penny with 2 heads — and 2 different dates.

I’ve gotten so many questions about coins like these. Apparently, there are a lot of altered coins out there.

And that’s just it. Virtually any two-headed coin you’ll find is altered.

Two Headed Error Coins

While anything is possible — given the mechanics of how modern-day coins are produced — it’s virtually impossible that a two-headed coin can be made.

If you see any coin that has 2 heads but different dates on either side of the coin, you can automatically rule it out as a magician’s coin. Such coins have no numismatic value.

2) Colorized Coins

Red coins, orange coins, purple coins, blue. I’ve seen many of these, how about you?

colored-coin

Sorry, sorry — I’m a writer, but I’m not the best poet.

But, what is true is this: people are always asking me about colorized coins and what their values are.

The answer: these aren’t error coins. And if they’re U.S. coins, they’re usually worth either face value or bullion melt value.

Until 2020, the U.S. Mint didn’t make colored coins, and the relatively few types of colorized coins made by them since are commemorative coins not issued for circulation. In fact, any colorized U.S. coins that you see dated before 2020 have been altered by somebody outside of the Mint.

Sometimes, the post-mint colorized additions are rather artful — such as the painted American Silver Eagles that one infomercial pitched on TV several years ago.

Often, the coin was painted one single color — such as the blue quarter I found in pocket change 20 years ago.

At any rate, these coins might catch the eye, but unless they are one of the few commemorative coins colorized by the U.S. Mint they aren’t numismatically valuable.

An important note about colorized coins: some nations (including Canada) have issued colored coins. These are generally common and some have been issued for circulation — meaning such pieces are often worth face value if worn.

3) Gold-Plated Coins

A lot of people want to know what their “rare” gold penny is worth.

Unfortunately, it’s worth just a penny.

Many people have posted photos of gold-plated coins that they “heard” were rare, one-of-a-kind, or some type of mistake. I’ve even found some gold-plated coins in my pocket change.

Gold Quarter Error Coins

While these coins make great keepsakes, they are not rare and they certainly weren’t made by the U.S. Mint.

These gold coins are ordinary U.S. Mint coins that private individuals (or, sometimes, novelty coin companies) alter with a layer of gold plating.

You’d think a gold-plated coin would be worth a bundle. After all, it’s covered with gold, right?

Amazingly, most gold-plated coins contain no more than 2 or 3 cents’ worth of the yellow metal. In essence, the coin is worth face value. If you’re lucky, you may find a coin dealer willing to pay a few cents over face value — as sometimes these coins sell well as novelty pieces.

4) Small Coins & Large Coins

I’ve come across a lot of people who tell me they found a tiny Lincoln cent, gigantic Indian Head penny, or some other common coin of quite uncommon size.

Large Indian Penny Error Coins

What are these?

They’re replica tokens. And some of them are actually quite convincing — if not for their size, that is.

These artful reproductions are normally sold at tourist gift shops, toy stores, and other novelty establishments.

While they don’t have any numismatic value, they are collectible as exonumia, and some of these tiny coins and large coins are worth a dollar or so.

5) Coins With Odd Rims & Edges

A common question I’m asked is whether or not a coin that has an usually tall or thick rim is an error coin.

The answer I give if the reader doesn’t submit a photo of the coin is that, yes, it’s possible the coin is an error. Broadstrikes, capped dies, and die caps are common examples of error coins with odd-looking rims.

However, usually the coins I receive pictures of look something like this:

Indian Head Penny Error Coins  Indian Penny Error Coins
This is an example of a coin whose edge was pushed or rolled inward due to centrifugal force. Most likely the coin was spun in a machine — quite possibly a clothes dryer.

These aren’t error coins, and they aren’t rare. From the numismatic perspective, such coins are regarded as damaged.

The value for, say, an Indian Head penny such as this might be 10 or 20 cents because the coin is so old. But more recent coins may not even be redeemable for face value.

6) Dimes & Quarters Without Edge Grooves

A few readers have submitted photos of dimes and quarters with smooth edges.

old-dime-with-patina

Of course, as you may know, dimes and quarters are supposed to have what we coin collectors call edge reeding — those tiny, raised lines on the edges of some coins.

Reeded edges are supposed to make coins easier to grab and allow blind people to more easily differentiate coins.

Back when dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins were made from silver, edge reeding also helped to deter silver bugs from shaving bits of precious metal off the coin. (If the edge was shaved off, the damaged edge would show it and the coin would not be accepted for change.)

Many readers want to know if dimes and quarters without the reeded edge is some type of error.

The basic answer is “no.” Really old dimes and quarters — ones that have been circulating for a good 30 or 40 years — tend to lose their reeded edges due to wear.

  • Think of all the hands, transactions, and vending machines an old dime or quarter will have seen after 3 or 4 decades.
  • Years of handling wears down the edges of these coins, and thus they often have smooth edges.
  • Sometimes, dimes and quarters (and other coins with reeded edges) lose their grooves due to being tossed around on their edges in a laundry dryer.

In all of the above cases, these coins are worth face value.

Here’s my video to help you tell doubled dies & error coins apart from altered coins & novelty coins:

How To Tell Legit Error Coins & Doubled Dies From Altered Coins & Novelty Coins

Here’s what to do if you think you have a legit U.S. mint error coin.

More Info About Coin Errors

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836 thoughts on “Have Error Coins? Here’s How To Tell A Normal Or Altered Coin From A Real Coin Error”

  1. Hey Josh,

    Is there anyway I could contact you by email? I need to ask you something about coins but I also need to post a picture. Every time I bring up the camera, it says that an error occurred and the webpage reloaded. 🙁 Can I please see your email?

    I’d appreciate it. 🙂

    Sincerely,
    Harley Gentry

    Reply

    • Hello, Steven —

      Nice off-center and clip errors! Though fairly common for their error type, these are still worth in the range of $5 to $8 each.

      Great finds!
      Josh

      Reply

      • thanks for that assessment josh!
        i was also wondering if you can offer me any insight on these larger pennies from the 1800’s…

        Reply

        • Hi, Steven —

          This is a nice collection of Early American coppers. These Braided Hair and Matron Head large cents are common and it appears most of them have some degree of discoloration and/or porosity, but they are nonetheless collectible and well worth hanging onto.

          If I had to put a dollar value on the group, I’d say a coin dealer would probably offer somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 to $50, based on how well the pieces grade; I tried to enlarge the photo to get a better idea on individual grades, but to no avail.

          I hope this helps,
          Josh

          Reply

  3. Hi! I’ve been sorting through my piggy bank this week and I have two nickels that are interesting but I can’t find any information on either. One is a 1960-D nickel that seems to have a circle on reverse side and the other is a 2013-P with a semi circle under In God We Trust. Any help and guidance is welcomed! THANK YOU! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b8bf7e5cc693067c878679a6c774197f44b2b6a947c5d3b678e0ddf16db1dd0c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b454f7bd60367d306d64130bc0a4ea6764f28df10348854dc393821ec811aac1.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Vivian —

      The circle 1960-D nickel is a post-mint damage impression likely caused by damage in a vending machine. However, the 2013 nickel appears to be a light die clash; that’s a mint-caused matter. However, such die clashes are common and in this case wouldn’t really add any monetary value to the coin.

      I hope this answers some questions for you!
      Josh

      Reply

    • HI, Juan —

      That’s a pretty penny indeed. It appears to have minimal wear and has nice color. It would take magnification and looking at the coin from different angles to determine if it does have any wear. If this piece is uncirculated, I’d say its worth at least 25 to 50 cents. Possibly more if the surfaces check out with minimal contact marks under 5x magnification and the coin is absent any wear.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  6. Hi, Ben —

    Closely looking at the area where the “1” SHOULD be, I see what looks like a deep gouge there, which suggests the digit was literally shoved aside as a result of post-mint damage.

    Best,
    Josh

    Reply

    • Hi, Juan —

      Very interesting. It looks like the piece on the left was weakly struck. It also seems like there is quite a bit of bubbling on that coin, indicative that it must be a copper-coated zinc cent. I would hang on that coin; I believe the obverse bubbling alone would warrant a small premium as some collectors do place a value on zinc cents with heavy bubbling. By “small premium,” I’m suggesting something in the neighborhood of $1 to $2 perhaps. The price is vague as that market is not really solid and varies more on the collectors’ individual tastes.

      Neat find!
      Josh

      Reply

  8. Hello.. i got 5 cent coin 1987 of Jefferson with p mark .. the coin observe and reverse are upside down …is it a real,fake or a error coin . And if its real is there any value of it..

    Reply

    • Hi, Tashi —

      If you mean that the picture of Monticello on the reverse appears upside down when the head of Jefferson is looking upright, that is normal. If, on the other hand, you mean both designs are oriented the same direction, it is most likely an altered coin — especially given that such extreme rotational errors are virtually impossible with modern coining technology.

      I hope this clears things up!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Moses —

      This dime certainly appears unusual. I’m trying to check out the details on the reverse concerning that band. I want to see if that is a strike-through/strike anomaly error or something added post-mint. Checking the dime’s weight would help. It should weigh 2.27 grams. Anything significantly more, and that band could be a post-mint addition. I think the coin needs an in-person inspection, and I recommend you either swing by a coin dealer or have the coin certified.

      Here is more info on where to find coin dealers near you: https://png.memberclicks.net/find-a-png-dealer
      And here is insight on the various third-party coin grading firms: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/slabbed_coins/

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Juan —

      Checking its weight is particularly helpful. If it weighs significantly more — or less — than 3.11 grams, it is may be an off-metal error. From the photo, however, it appears the 1975-D cent on the left was chemically altered, and quite possible harshly cleaned, giving it a lighter appearance.

      I hope this helps,
      Josh

      Reply

        • Hi, Juan —

          That’s great info – that confirms my early thought that the coin has been cleaned or chemically altered and is otherwise a “normal” 1975-D cent. Feel free to spend it or, if you’re inclined, keep it — the value of these pre-1982 bronze pennies is about 2 cents due to their intrinsic copper value.

          Best,
          Josh

          Reply

  12. Found this in my change is it a true error or a not? Been trying to find out for a year now and finally found this site

    Reply

      • The reverse side appears raised I am sending what I hope are some better on quality…thank you so much for your help this far Josh

        Reply

    • The reverse side appears raised I am sending what I hope are some better on quality…thank you so much for your help this far Josh!

      Reply

      • Hi, Jenika

        While there is a possibility this is post-mint damage, I’m leaning toward it being some type of die issue, although if so there are a few various culprits. If you are so inclined, I would submit it to a third-party coin grading company for a professional, in-hand evaluation.

        This article contains more info on some of the major reputable players in the coin-grading industry: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/slabbed_coins/

        Normally, it costs between $15 and $30 for third-party certification, but what those services do is attribute the problem/error and place the coin in a tamper-evident holder. If this is an error, I suspect it could possibly sell for a sum of money that would make certification worth the investment.

        You might also consider taking the coin to a local coin dealer for further in-hand inspection. Here is a searchable list of good coin dealers near you: https://png.memberclicks.net/find-a-png-dealer

        And more information on how to find a coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/

        This is a very unusual coin indeed and I hope for your sake it is a mint error. I suspect based on the appearance of several diagnostics (the raised bar, the shape of the edge/rim, lettering/devices, etc.) it is. Fingers crossed!

        Good luck,
        Josh

        Reply

  14. Hi josh! I recently inherited quite a substantial coin collection from my great grandfather and a 1964 penny was sealed in a case. It looks obviously an error. Here’s the pictures! And help would be appreciated. It has the head indent on the reverse side.

    Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      It appears the aberrations in the “S” and “T” are due to post-mint damage. Still, your 1967 Lincoln cent is worth 2 cents for its copper value.

      Thank you for your question and coin photo,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      I’m afraid the “S” and “T” appear to have been damaged outside of the Mint. However, your coin is still worth 2 cents for its copper value.

      Thank you for the question and the photo of your coin!
      Josh

      Reply

  16. 1955 an as 1960 -D could https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a77853b87338cc257b8cfbef3062495bae22ba9a9c874376a1ca0fa1c4f75e58.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ee886fefced56642f9b6824c612332edb3b8af421209e64fa8c29a84e82abc14.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b8db11b7827599f1ade5d0d84956acb6b1516674db23361a4733f1a8dad26cac.jpg you please take a look a the date on the 55 and the date on the 60 D it looks like there is a nother D Thank you !

    Reply

    • Hi, David —

      THe 1955 Lincoln cent looks normal and is worth about 5 cents, but the 1960-D definitely appears to have a repunched mintmark. I believe that particular variety is worth about $10, possibly more.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  17. I was wondering about this dime that has raised edges of about a millimeter on both sides and has a no edge reeding

    Reply

    • Hello, Phineas —

      It appears this dime was subjected to post mint damage, perhaps most likely high centrifugal force by rolling inside something like a clothes dryer. This piece is worth face value.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  18. Hi guys, I am not sure what to think of this quarter? It’s smooth on both sides. I was wondering if this was a minted error or if someone damaged it post-mint? The ridges aren’t rough at all, and Washington looks worn but the other side is not worn at all? What do you think? There is no date and the “In” and the “Tr”is not seen either. Any info would be appreciated.

    Reply

  19. I found this penny in pocket change yesterday. I like error coins but there are so many errors on this penny that I had to ask. What do you call the error when the shape looks like this? (See picture)

    Reply

    • Hi, Paul —

      It looks like this coin was ground down by somebody — perhaps it was rubbed aggressively against concrete. The lines across the the faces of the coin are other tip-offs that this coin has suffered extreme post-mint damage.

      This piece is, at best, worth face value. I hope this provides you some insight on the coin…

      Thank you for your question and helpful photos!
      Josh

      Reply

  20. I have a 1968 quarter that weighs only 4.6 grams, and isn’t as thick as it should be. Does this mean it was made with the wrong metal?

    Reply

    • Hi —

      It looks like your 1968 quarter is heavily corroded, thus contributing to the lower weight. It is worth face value!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hello, XLQ —

      Here are my opinions about the state of your coins:

      1912 (?) Lincoln cent — I see signs of corrosion and rim hit at the 10 o’ clock position. This piece is worth approximately 25 cents.

      1942 — I see a post-mint gash across Lincoln’s neck, which would reduce the value of this coin to about 3 to 5 cents.

      1957-D — While this coin may have a lamination error ($5 or more in value), I also see signs that is has been attacked by some type of acid, causing the porous surfaces. This coin might need an in-hand inspection to confirm whether or not the gash is due to a lamination error or a chemical.

      The other Lincoln wheat cent with a gash near the right wheat stalk has post-mint damage; without knowing its date I can’t really say what the coin is worth.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  23. Hello. I have this 1983 is it a D over D https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e33f417c9035170574a2aed28938b499c4f170d1920a44deef5ba59260187a22.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/289f16f4397e514b8e980bbdde5a4a8f33b8dc68027be65570dedc4bf6d8c08a.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4652928b038649e2cb6e9dcecdcafabd9b6c2a3c273aff8f047f433c7edde8b9.jpg e 1983-D it look to be maybe some doubling on the M/M it can be seen with a coinloop but maybe its machine doubling could you look at this and with your zoom lens to see if there’s anything there thank you so much

    Reply

    • Hi, David —

      I do see what appears to be the coin’s inner zinc core exposed on the side of the mintmark; I am looking for signs of this being a repunched mintmark or possible doubled die and don’t think I see anything there but I might be off with this one because of the appearance of the zinc. I suggest this coin be examined by renowned die variety expert John Wexler for confirmation. Here’s a link to his site: https://doubleddie.com/1801.html

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  24. Hello Josh I would like to look at these two pennies and maybe at the mint marks and see if there’s Dublin on them for me would you please sir and as always thank you

    Reply

  25. Hello again. .I ve been looking at these’s two 1983 Im not sure if my evaluation is correct and I thought I would ask you guys the one looks like it has a crack guy runs from the word one up to the steps to the third and fourth pillars out to the first roots back to the letter i in the world United the second looks like a double die but I could be wrong I thought I’d ask you thank you very much number one fan

    Reply

    • Hi, David —

      I definitely see the die crack on the second piece (the reverse die crack; runs from Lincoln Memorial to “UNITED.” Such die cracks are usually worth at least $3 to $5.

      Thanks for your question and photos!
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thanks I though it was .what caught my eye was the or the lines between the third an forth pillers . Thank again .

        Reply

  26. Hi Joshua, I’ve been keeping coins that I’ve thought were unique and I figured I’d ask if they are anything special (or even real!).
    The first one has a raised edge on the face and the other side shows a “silver” color and the rim is the same color.
    The second photo appears to be off center just a little bit.
    The third one is what I’m thinking isn’t real but thought I’d ask. It’s pretty cool regardless.
    Thanks in advance!!

    Reply

    • Hello, Melissa!

      Great questions and great photos! Here’s what’s going on with each of these coins:

      •The 2002 Lincoln cent — There appears to be some minor machine doubling on the obverse, and on the reverse, heavy wear has exposed the coin’s zinc core. It’s worth face value, but a piece I’d hang onto anyway.

      •The 1972 Lincoln cent — It’s about 5% off center. That’s not quite the threshold where extra value starts kicking in (that’s closer to the 10-20% range), but nevertheless an error and interesting to keep.

      •The Case of the Missing Lincoln: The Lincoln cent without the Lincoln (AKA, missing obverse) is what illusionists call a gaffe coin. It’s designed for accommodating a smaller coin, such as a Roosevelt dime. This allows the magician to use sleight-of-hand techniques to make his or her audience to think he or she just turned a Lincoln cent into another coin – or vice versa. This piece has no numismatic value but may be worth a couple dollars to an illusionist or to those who collect novelty coins.

      Neat coins!
      Josh

      Reply

      • That is all really neat information! I have a whole box of coins I could keep you interested in, lol. Probably none worth anything. I had the pleasure of working in a bank years ago and they had a coin counting machine. We were allowed to keep anything the machine rejected and the owner left behind so I acquired quite a collection that way. Just a fun pastime of mine that I enjoy. My pile of steel pennies and wheat heads (no VDB’s, lol). Just fun stuff

        Reply

        • Hello, Melissa!

          This is a really cool collection of coins! You’ve found some really great coins, such as the proof 40% silver Kennedy half dollars, the Indian Head cent, Buffalo nickel, Standing Liberty quarter, etc. What’s really special about this is that these were acquired through circulation finds, which means in addition to the numismatic value these pieces have, they also have a story.

          While most of the pieces I see are worth under $5 to $8, I do see a few interesting errors on the right side of the third image (the big group shot) that may be worth significantly more. I tried to blow up the image larger but can’t quite get good clarity well enough to see what the errors may be or ascertain their possible numismatic value.

          Thank you so much for sharing this with us here!

          Best,
          Josh

          Reply

  27. Joshua I came across this 1967 Quarter and it caught my eye. In your openion does it look like something I should pursue to have checked out further??

    Reply

    • Hey, David —

      The photo is blurry as I zoom in but this looks like it could be more than post-mint damage. Definitely something I would like to please check out further. Would you mind uploading clearer images if possible please? I will need to see reverse (tail’s side) photos, too, please.

      Thank you!
      Josh

      Reply

  28. Hi Josh . Here’s a 1972 nickel ..and I added a few more coins https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/10794b5ef33fcd880b709301f31724c86d0809d459961cdae530ded8235da01f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/780c3943fb76b8e2f8fb65855780dd84f63e629cdec18a82a09ee0ba4af33c42.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f05744271371bc213e89bb4739ce9cc552c44a63cf353b7f2d486fddb653e0f9.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b46514ef0b9aa95e0d4a59ad82dc76ae1315b572dcf779a03cec3f291fd87f52.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/be773a0f1e5102b633b0097c012a1ffa17b660b90cc635e0fd951e92771be392.jpg I just wanted to know some info on this particular damage. Thanks so much for your replies .. I’m learning a lot from your comments l

    Reply

    • Hi, Laura —

      All of these pieces have various forms of post-mint damage, with most of it coming in the form of grooves and lines caused by heavy circulation and machine damage. While all are worth face value, they do make interesting academic studies of the affects of circulation wear.

      Thank you for your question and photos! Please check back whenever you have more coin questions!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  29. Josh, the first 2 photos are of a quarter I found about 10 years ago and noticed it first from it’s odd color and light weight. After some investigating I realized it is missing both clads. The other photos are of a quarter my wife just found in her saved change. No year marks as it appears to be from the state quarter time period. I understand it’s likely very difficult to tell just from photos if these are legitimate errors or not but any guess?
    Thanks https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/707fce4462461fe57c57cd5e561a97223e4df46b4e8260e08d85be495efd6efd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/11fde7745df6ad1d62d48e82ee18492ca4404f1ccda0bc1b36a5c5acf1cfdfbd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b5414f60b49a1b6fa1d693f27571b48430937b012dee596caf0fe378d019dd07.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4f2a0e21f140dcd86e6efe333d9ced780cec16f0e2866c7643ff96e68ace0357.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Wardaddy —

      As for the lightweight quarter, it unfortunately is hard to tell from a photo what might be going on. My first guess is corrosion, which usually accounts for lighter weight variances and off colors with most coins that present like this. If that’s the case, the coin would be worth face value.

      The year mark on the 50 States Quarter should be on the reverse (back) side; this is tricky because on most types of U.S. coins the date is usually located on the obverse (front).

      Thank you for your questions!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Yes actually. The ‘D’ stands for DENVER which means it was struck in Denver, Colorado. The GR and FG are the designers initials. One person designed the obverse (front) and the other, the reverse (back). That’s why the GR appears on the obverse and FG appears on the reverse. Something special about the 1969 half dollar is that it’s 40% silver.

      Reply

    • Hi, Laura!

      Oof, this one HAS seen some wear and tear, hasn’t it? It’s worth face value, but I’d pay more than a dime to hear this coin’s wild story!

      All my best,
      Josh

      Reply

  32. Hello there, Laura —

    Wow, this poor 1995-D Lincoln cent is nearly corroded away. Wow… makes you wonder what this coin may have seen in its lifetime.

    What an interesting find!
    Josh

    Reply

  33. HI! I found a coin that appears to have no mint mark. I will send you a pic if you want one but it is very hard to get a picture in this comment! See you.

    Reply

  34. heres 1982 zinc small date ddr i found coin roll hunting https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0b5c9a969d1c9cf7c6b574d27856f9bfe47bbc0c4ba7bd8fe800a5b96a3e50b3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5ca1b349325cf9cc0d64a73e1c462c2aae25a007b50ce076e478e7801bdb230a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5baf41316ea12206362bbf4ff15570010101946dab5fb5bb6daaebe7e422d1d5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/253e12bc239027f8c5053717f83a2e05a98fb758db0caa447519723125cde46e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/21a5f3ffdf146f8c71f93c662239fb2deabde6d9fcdf960eb758dbcbe1f89f79.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/00b73da487570808f14ec36d8aa475a697d7e5fd8d3ebb85cf9e30c3f6e84fd2.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, John!

      It certainly looks like you may have found a winner, though in-hand inspection would always be advised to further authenticate the coin and attribute its variety. For that, I suggest sending it to a third-party coin grading company or perhaps read the following article and submit to Charles Daughtrey, who is referenced in this interesting article: https://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ArticleId=2899

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  35. heres a 1969-s not sure if md or dd https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/20ea641d9808d50ea16b2fa4967a243d54ef35164e40f1597dced117d51f30dd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f4ad9b226798c03d80f1deac376565fb0f0b7b7ef57b850d87b5e66ad9f8e0a7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/00ca9cabf27ec537f2bc072d7b6ec248c0d6b43653c397d0b9d86f2accae1d47.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/633ff39eced40021f6beeef182590eddbb86d2b24d3eefb9f5c3fd642d4a94d4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e0e4df889af87ef1b4c665e828b025e1c9e25aef2f37ab3ee99d20e6ca1f19f9.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c78f77d95cf5ded134ad6a3a8fa7307bcbb2d554d90f14fb4c61c96c1566345d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c48e68d4d8bf383e30ed56f32033ca2894b9edbb5fad6ded1c7bfd9b777d79bd.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, John —

      This looks like machine doubling. Compare to the photos here: https://www.pcgs.com/top100/coin7.aspx

      Machine doubling has a shelf-like appearance whereas the doubling on many doubled dies normally shows both the primary device/lettering and doubled areas with rounded edges and, often, stands as proud to the surface as does the primary design element.

      I hope this info helps,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hello, John —

      Judging from the photo, I believe this may be a Wide AM. Check out the comparison photos here: https://www.lincolncentresource.com/Featured/1992DcloseAM.html

      On the Close AM specimens, the bottom of the A and M are virtually touching. It seems there is a good degree of space on your coin. Perhaps submit the coin, along with your 82 ddr, for in-hand inspection under magnification for a second opinion.

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  38. heres a 1972 ddo https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a137e25f9e1c2ff505ea8c4af145c74b615dfbf29394ec3184fd4587b1748e0a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e5d9e6b3d11efee7b9b29f16af74991a228e068b8eeec12b942d801a7414cbec.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f1e8210c8c9381cd2cb7db108b096b7b8982879a412a7b5b0b71220d81ac412f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/56508c3adc2c21ae244625c43ea20f839aa92792649c12fae1aa362dbeddd40c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a1aa5be7958f2cf12d8d94d797983fdf61847010f0a69507a9a71c9988aef0d0.jpg

    Reply

  39. Hello. I am just seeing if this may be a miss printed coin. My first though it is not but I have no Idea. Please let me know your thoughts. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a3835114acdab23423106d2aa39951b040ada094059bd04b71ef955e2ce73e2b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/74b499c8a49e23ff10ae9e30de487ffd01dd869688a48d9524d65c4319cc2e93.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e044ed54f1cff7ba76381e2256373912c77d55319cd9cc076dbae77f029ef12.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, David —

      This is post-mint damage. The reverse (tail’s side) of the coin was planed off, which explains the small grooves. It appears that a machine or grinder of some type is responsible for this.

      Thank you for your question and photos!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hello, Laura!

      Great observation, but what it actually looks like is the coin has some heavy oxidation from environmental damage. Dimes, like other copper-nickel coins, are susceptible to oxidation because copper is such a reactive metal. While eye-catching, this piece is worth face value.

      I hope this info is helpful,
      Josh

      Reply

  44. Hi Josh, I was going through my coin sets and I found in my 1970 Mint Set has what I belive to be a double die 1970 D penny. I can see the doubling in the date, D and In God We Trust. Maybe a tiny bit in Liberty. I will try to take pics but its in a flat pack so I don’t know how good they will turn out. Its in an envelope that says Treasury Department San Francisco Calif. Official Business

    Reply

  46. Hi, I just found a large amount of old coins medals and dablooms that my grandfather had stored away for many years . He passed away over 30+ years ago sorted out the majority over the past two months after finding them but I am wondering can u help assist if any are rare and worth the time spent doing so. Here are some pics. 1. Lincoln 1985 D with circle around D 2. Lincoln 1952/53?S/D 3.Lincoln 1959 D face back flipped 4. 1974 Kennedy half dollar clipped ends 5. Lincoln 1939 blow holes 6. Mercury dime 1943 possibly crossed with a sitting liberty dime not sure ? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3bb426df5b9cf9670ad75dffe351278db295fd61fe6f4e61a126c988bb33a531.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e5b63d64ab304c52f7bd71998dcc7a30094f0c219ee5d643da114660d35b7f3d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cfef41585337c67e7c55ec809e632c338e44d9b4179156da42d44545c30b8cb1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1ff7d5e4974a3db07627aee6603d7baca9efd3256794f73bc5cd8e599ba245a0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ad68950ce0882a13f77b58bf798465b98c571a29d8142d411a1e626a95b3ba47.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e5d2f941fbbdfa48283b27eb25d161d8c1f294d38a27b447408c5d26227c27b4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aa01e4d59cf68c3e0011bd1fa87e1d61238a5c4f08eea53786fb2586ca11ddf1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/037faa391c44db5264e40c985822cfe3815b9d9f3cbc4fee8bdd382f7a26a914.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5e9b33302ab12399be09017fa9bcda7558a2e820a250879f28be63154188015d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/21004365a0e568c79cbda28d0dc517d60c366987770043ea4c0afe1114bcf2e6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ea029904efa4e3a7b0ba37ea62fc00554820ac711989efd5c6897adbb8c28813.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4b2d7144d743b7f9590992af784047f8f5b225300dcbe1dd21623b8c7441efc3.jpg

    Reply

  47. Hi, Laura —

    Hmm… I don’t see any signs of die doubling in these images, but I also am unable to zoom in on these images. If you’d like to resubmit photos that I can expand, I’d be glad to take a second look!

    Thank you,
    Josh

    Reply

    • Hi, Cody —

      Very observant. While this is not a broadstrike (when a coin is struck without its retaining collar, thus spreading out the metal upon strike), it’s a very well worn Standing Liberty quarter. It’s worth at least $3.50 and possibly more based on the presence of a date – even the mere trace of a date.

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thanks for the answer, I found another coin (dated 1877) which I looked up and it’s a Seated Liberty Half Dollar, but I never found an exact price when looking through different sites. The coin itself looks like a VF30, and has no notable errors or marks on it. Could you help?

        Reply

        • Hi, Cody —

          By “P” mintmark, do you mean this is a Philadelphia coin without a mintmark (because the U.S. Mint didn’t introduce the “P” mintmark until 1942)? Or is there a “P” inscribed on the coin somewhere? Would you please upload a photo of this coin to the comments section? I’ll be able to give you a better impression on the price of your specific coin after seeing an image of it.

          Thank you for your question!
          Josh

          Reply

  51. I also have a 1982 d large date stamped over a 1982 s small date, there seems to be some slight doubling on the 2 serif style then on the reverse their’s a 3 stamped on lincoln’s monument plain as day. well under 10x magnification that is. i cant find anything about closest error is some thing like the 1960 small date /large date plz any advice where i can have it checked by a professional

    Reply

  52. I’m new to coin collecting so please be patient with me. Years ago I found a money bag hidden in my wall filled with about 1000 wheat pennies. One penny stuck out amongst all the rest. It’s a 1962 penny that’s small than the rest. It’s thinner also. It’s not in the best of shape but I was hoping that you could help me with it. Here are a few pics. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d02e0f85f521d895707883bf9ca8702a891e4753e9bfddad68a1f4d588d5109e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c29a9803d758606b5a51ed204c0cb06ee88c21e97363cb07fcd2b43d80558ca1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e852cb03a2f5d066ed6b37a80c4381f96b459fdeb0664ee957ae4fd46090e58c.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Chris —

      How cool that you found that bag of pennies in your wall. The small penny was apparently dipped in acid or another corrosive agent that stripped away much of the coin’s outer layer of metal. This piece is worth face value at best, but it’s nevertheless a striking piece and pointed reminder of the many things that can happen to a coin after it leaves the Mint.

      Good luck in your coin collecting ventures, and please feel free to stop by again!
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you Sir. I appreciate the info. Finding the coins in the wall was really cool. We lived there for about 8yrs before we found it. Thanks again and I will definitely stop by again.
        Chris

        Reply

    • Hi, Keith —

      This one would probably require an in-hand inspection to really know for sure what’s going on… At first it appeared to me as if it is a porosity issue, but the closer I look the more it seems like a strike error of some sort. I’m not really sure without seeing the coin in person and looking at it from different angles. It might be worth taking to a well-respected local coin dealer for a closer look or submission to a coin-grading professional.

      If you want info on finding coin dealers, be sure to check out this link: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
      For a searchable list of coin dealers, please check out this link: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
      If you’re interested in submitting the coin to a third-party coin-grading firm, here’s info on the different companies performing those services: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/slabbed_coins/

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  54. Hello. We have a teenager we are trying to get into a hobby (o https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ee879531c35e8dc5b3102aea9ae4c03ea77f99861726349357129c03b33a1f57.jpg ther than video games!) So we told him about how we have been into coins lately. He looked in his change jar and this is one of the first nickels he found. Kinda cool looking.
    The front is fine but the back is blank with only the “ticel” of the word Monticello visable. There is a swirled pattern to it and the coin itself is thinner than usual and sort of dome-shaped in profile. (Like a ufo shape )
    We have a theory but thought having you take a peak and give your opinion might be rather cool for him to hear.
    Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Hello, Wade and Kelly!

      Wow, what a nickel! The groove marks and clear strike on the design indicate this is a post-mint alteration likely created as a piece of art.

      It is wonderful to hear that you’re encouraging your son to hop into numismatics! I’ll tell you what — it’s the pastime that never needs to be updated or rebooted! I suggest if you’re looking for cool coins to hold aside that you check out the pieces listed in these posts:

      Coins That Are More Worth More Than Face Value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coins/
      Error Coins: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/error-coins/

      Please feel free to holler if you have any questions, comments, or need suggestions!

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  55. I have a 1988 nickle that I think is very special but I need someone else to tell me I’m right. I have only just begun to learn about coins and collecting them. I think there are several errors on this coin and just need someone to see what I think I see. Could someone please help me out? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f02bd513333b7eaba76717fdc43fe9d5b4850b7a8604ecb81e4d5ef094ac4ca1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e11ef4b1e077838c993f59645eceef8a4956d00add4691affdd7e145f4488c6d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cdc5c4701bb7bdd77d7482c6403611a618a94962a6e4e768aa413ccf5161de8e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/092a3a301a28b05ab7b155a7f1bd1af49ae9902a09f6866f9d5b7e0de26a3463.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Ronald —

      It appears this coin may have been struck on an aging die, which would contribute to the mushy nature of the lettering and devices on the nickel. Nothing else stands out to me on this coin, though perhaps you see something that the image isn’t picking up on.

      From what I see, this 1988-D nickel is numismatically worth face value.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  56. My husband found an Indian penny..But someone had crossed out both sides with an x and made a hole in the date..All we can tell is that it is an 18 something 9 maybe..Can anyone help me with some info on it if it’s worth anything because it is rare?

    Reply

    • Hi, Lonnia —

      These lines are post-mint gouges and are not part of the coin’d design. It appears to be a wholly normal coin. This piece is worth about $1.20.

      All the best,
      Josh

      Reply

  58. So I have a 1984 D penny with what looks like O’s printed on it. They are the same o in “in God we trust”. The O’s are in line after the t in trust. And one of the O’s is in the middle of Lincoln’s head. I feel like it may be bubbles but the O’s are all the same size and pretty distinct.

    Reply

    • HI, Matt —

      Would you please post a photo of this coin here in the forum section so I can check it out and suggest a possible value?

      Thank you so much,
      Josh

      Reply

  59. I found what I believe is a die capped 1988 D penny in my change. It is flat, but there’s a “rim” almost all the way around on the head side. Would it be worth anything?

    Reply

  60. I have a 1962 proof Franklin most of it on the front is a proof finish but at the bottom there is a section that is dull and rough is that a lamination error. I broke up the set and put it in a 2×2. it was in the original package

    Reply

    • Hi, Shawn —

      It’s hard to say without seeing a photo, but having seen many of these earlier proof coins, it might just be a striking or finish irregularity, which is extremely common on the pre-1970s proofs. A regular 1962 proof Franklin half dollar with average eye appeal is worth about $15.

      Again, if you’d like to upload a photo here to the forum I would be glad to further assist!

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply

  61. I have a really strange penny a 1969D which appears to be a mistrike penny. The reverse is perfectly normal. I thought at first it had to be a fake, fraud or fluke but because the obverse is normal and LIBERTY runs across what appears to be an extra head and shoulder, I began to wonder. Take a look and let me know. It was given to me with two other pennies that have lesser errors, some pennies with state states, a beautiful 1907 Indian Head Penny and a lot of good Wheat Pennies. Please email or let me know what you think. What I think I know. It was obviously circulated, the reverse is perfect (for an old coin – nothing major) and LIBERTY runs across the extra image. If it is real any idea of value?

    Thanks in advance.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f261cb9a4890a35b3497df256df426741d70138954a860a6bcafea9a1f2980f1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/84680f104668158b417abc9da806e9ca8edbcac4a0b5b2c0cc87b94ecebb84c4.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Richard!

      This appears to be a strike-through error. In other words, it looks like this coin was struck on a die that had foreign matter on it, possibly a piece of a cloth rag used to degrease the dies. Strike-through errors are highly collectible and often worth more than $100. I recommend you show this coin to a die variety/error expert for a second opinion, but am pretty confident that is what you have here.

      One of the other professionals I suggest is John Wexler, whose info you can find here: https://www.doubleddie.com/

      Good luck — and great find!
      -Josh

      Reply

  63. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1a72782ba7874b2b3f20520bc4ee77bd86d61438fcd2b986380d5658f20cc962.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/18ed97720a53a50b115f15c40ce459250b70168e5d441bb3e7cafea8ada46306.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bd29fc05312828bacc4316ca7c94ae666f78737f216c7cd037b0fee5ae08fda3.jpg

    I have a penny that I recently found while coin searching. It has a relatively normal looking reverse and edge but the observe is a bright almost gold looking color! What would you value this coin at?
    My email is bobdsmith3@gmail.com.

    In each picture the rightmost penny is the penny of interest it is from 2005. This includes the photo of the edge.

    Reply

    • Hi, DrTtX —

      There is some surface wear on this piece and signs of environmental damage on the reverse (tail’s side) in the dark area. This piece is worth face value.

      Thank you for your question and photo!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  66. I went through a few of my wheats yesterday and found my first clipped planchet! Woo-hoo! Yes, I AM enjoying this! Also placed my first order for collecting supplies. Since I’m into errors I’m getting a 5x – 20x magnifier.
    I have another coin I want to show you and see what you think. The first coin is obviously my clip. On the second coin there is an odd indentation above the date. The pics don’t do it justice. I’ve been told it’s probably from pliers or some kind of tool after mint, but I’ve found these same markings around the side etching on 2 different presidential dollars. I’m having a hard time believing it wasn’t done in the mint. The scratch on the reverse of this https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/66dc6906f97ce35a98a427e51db0febc69a4659fc3b25b0bd108f4841d78dace.jpg coin is unfortunate. But it will go into my collection as my first! I dont know why it seperated my clip pics, but there are 3 of them. I couldnt get my camera phone to zoom in on the edges of those other two coins. Ill keep trying.https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b934869cd4116356de4b8a9d8a40d714121a720614300263d78aae5fa76eebc0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/976c1546b3a959c59a0b899d17226ce6357058e279c3b3f919a4ab937849ff8f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a87c99182b671800ce082f077209f6ffe72266dec79aecc76d3f072e39fdc5b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/506e6156622a9ba269ff61511927c36c46aa19cb546774504a77f505320144a2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9333a41e7c49f0cf634925475f2a44b173ad484df6eafd510a551e7bb788bceb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/342357cabb42d1cd60aea7ea309f15bc557182cdf22b5d29d93dc9f712058eec.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Leah —

      The indentation above the date on the 1981 cent is an example of post-Mint damage and in this case leaves the coin worth its copper melt value of 2 cents. As for the 1944 Lincoln cent, that one is a toughie… I lean toward it being a clipped planchet due to the shape of rim around the clipped part and the appearance that the segment of missing rim is blended into the surrounding metal, as if a mint error. An in-hand inspection by an error coin professional who can examine the edge at multiple angles would be the best help here, but I will go on a limb and call this a clipped planchet from what I see here. Clipped planchets of this size are often worth $5 to $20… Awesome find presuming that’s what you have, Leah!

      Keep on doing what you’re doing!
      Josh

      Reply

  67. Let me start by saying I am very new to this. I recently read an article about common coins that are possibly valuable, so I started inspecting my change. As I began to do some research, I became fascinated by all the possible errors and things that could lead to coins being more valuable than their face value! I find it incredibly interesting, so, even if I find a quarter that’s actually worth $2, I consider it a win!

    So today I found a 1972 Washington Quarter that appears to have a “cud” (am I using that term right?) in the mintmark. It’s kind of hard to see in the picture, but the “D” appears to be completely filled in.

    I’ve been scouring the web for this apparent error, but have gotten mixed results. Is this worth anything more than $0.25? Looking forward to the answer either way! Thanks!

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b23e4f4fb8e1734debfdd6427acc0590e7373d4c74acfdf520e93437f7815c98.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Adam!

      It might just be heavy wear (a close look under a 10X magnification device would assist) but it looks like this may be a filled mintmark error. If so, these are somewhat common as far as errors go but are nonetheless worth $1 to $3 or more.

      Hang on to it… I’d call it a win, too!

      Thank you for your question,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thanks Josh!

        And thanks for the quick response! It’s totally awesome of you to freely share your knowledge with us! Its incredibly helpful to people, like me, who are newly hooked on this fascinating hobby. I’m looking forward to perusing my change this weekend for any kind of error I can find, and researching as much as I can!

        Reply

        • I appreciate those kind words, Adam! Thank you so much, and good luck with your finds. If you come across anything interesting, don’t be shy in posting it here!

          Cheers,
          Josh

          Reply

    • Oh, by the way, very close with the “cud” terminology… A die cud is a raised patch of metal, but normally one that is connected to the rim on the outer side of the coin; in this case you would have an error known as a die break or die chip, which looks to have possibly resulted in a filled mintmark… Lots of nomenclature, but I hope it all makes sense!

      Thanks,
      Josh

      Reply

  68. Hey everyone! Glad I found this site, as I recently found a very unusual penny in my change. The last number on the date looks like a mint mark (D). But the normal ‘D’ mint mark is usually smaller than this apparent one. So is this an error coin of sorts, or has it been altered by an object striking it? Just what do I have here? Thanks in advance! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/00c2fb2ebefb9d8f7e322cfcd42463de86f833eeaecd38c2f8f23ff2776affe8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1fb7ea36f87cc71c8a9e86ef294cfab0e883d3043659d99c84d76d619180495a.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, World Weary —

      The last digit of the 1940 Lincoln cent was actually damaged after it left the Mint, and in this case the damage resulted in the digit being shoved inward. This piece is still worth about 3 cents but unfortunately it is not an error.

      Thank you for your question and photo!
      Josh

      Reply

        • Thank you so much, WorldWeary! Please feel free to check back anytime — always glad to assist however I can!

          Cheers,
          Josh

          Reply

          • Hi, Tracy —

            This is an interesting coin, but the reverse is flat and smooth due to post-mint damage. It looks like somebody planed the reverse (tail’s) design with a sander, polishing the metal. There are a few grooves in the upper-right area of the lower photo that further indicate this. This was done some time ago as the coin has an even, aged patina. Why someone would do this? Perhaps to incorporate the coin into a piece of jewelry, or even to pass the time.

            Such a piece is worth its copper value, which presently is two cents.

            Thank you for your question and photos,
            Josh

          • HI, Tracy —

            I’m not positive, but this actually appears to be a 1969-S Lincoln cent, though based on the appearance of the motto IN GO WE TRUST and LIBERTY this is not a doubled die.

            My first suspicion is that this coin may be a so-called strike-through error, in which a piece of fabric (or something else) obscures part of the die from striking the coin properly. Though upon closer inspection I’m more convinced the surface issues are as a result of exposure to acid. While unusual, it’s not totally unheard of for a coin to be partially affected by caustic chemicals on only one side (when, for example, inserted in a coin folder that exposes only one side of a coin), or to have experienced other surface-altering situations that manipulate just a single side, or even single portion of a side, of a coin. Based on what I see, it almost looks as if someone intentionally applied acid to just one side of the obverse (or “head’s side”) though why is beyond my comprehension. It may have also been accidental exposure to a caustic agent. I can tell it was likely acid because of the extreme porosity and disfigurement on that portion of the obverse.

            While I’m pretty confident this is a post-Mint alteration, it might be worth sending the photo on to an error expert for a second opinion to rule out that it’s NOT a strike-through error — something potentially worth hundreds of dollars. I’m doubtful, but I’d feel remiss without at least suggesting this. One expert to consider is Fred Weinberg. He’s among the top experts in coin errors: https://www.fredweinberg.com/contact-us/

            Good luck!
            Josh

          • Hi josh, thank you for your opinion on my last penny, I was going through some coins I had put away and forgot about until now. I found a 1997 D penny that looks like it has a piece of the coin missing by Lincolns nose.i noticed that there are no scratches on it around the part that is missing. Also on the reverse side of the coin “of” is almost not seen like it’s a light strike. I was wondering if you could tell me if this looks like a error to you? Thank you for your help.

          • Hi, Tracy —

            It could be a die break or die crack that caused that extra piece of metal by the nose. I know you said you tried to post a photo, which I’ll really need to give a good opinion. If you can kindly try to re-upload the image — a JPG or PNG file uploaded here in the comments section should work — that would be great.

            Thank you!
            Josh

          • Thank you, I tried to send you another coin to see if you could tell me if it is a error coin. I did a little observing myself so I don’t waste your time. I have a 1997 D Lincoln penny. Right by Lincolns nose there is what appears to be a dent in the coin. Also on the reverse side of the coin the word “of” is almost not visible just by looking at it with your eyes. I was thinking maybe a light strike? But the obverse side maybe a cud error? Thank you for all your help and time.

          • OK, Tracy —

            It appears to be post-Mint damage, or a gouge essentially. I was hopeful it was a RAISED patch of metal (thus a possible die break), but this is post-Mint. On a positive note, yes, there is evidence of a weak strike on the reverse. While this does not necessarily increase the coin’s book value, there are still folks who will pay a small amount over face value for such a strike peculiarity.

            Best wishes,
            Josh

    • Hi, Gulinky —

      Yep, I think you’re on target here. The filled “B” appears to be a chip and is probably worth $1 to $2, while the nickel has some type of weakness. It might be a late die state, but nevertheless worth hanging onto. It might go for 25 to 50 cents to an interested buyer.

      Hope this info helps! Cool finds all around…

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  71. I have a cent with a partial image of the reverse(columns etc) on the obseve of the cent, it’s not a grease stain, you can see and feel it. I am having trouble remembering the name of the error, also is it just a common error?. It’s a 1982 cent. Please let me know

    Reply

    • Hi, Eric —

      It may be a grease-filled die weakness, but it could also be a weak strike or even post-Mint damage. May I please see a photo of the coin?

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Bob —

      Hmm… I do see the Memorial reverse design on the reverse of the Roosevelt dime. Logically, it’s possible that the dime, smaller than the cent planchet by diameter, could have gotten into a cent hopper and some how wind up trapped in the striking machinery, perhaps between a cent reverse die and/or a finished Lincoln cent. There’s also the possibility that someone outside the Mint hammered a Lincoln cent onto this dime — something I’ve seen the results of many times(!)

      What I’d need to know going forward is if the Memorial design appears in relief (stands up, above the surface of the coin) or is incused (sunken into the coin). What do you see?

      If you want to send the coin in for inspection or get a second opinion, I suggest running this coin by the folks at CONECA — they’re error/variety specialists who have the official task of attributing such pieces as legitimate errors and varieties… Here’s their link: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      I’d be glad to help further…
      Josh

      Reply

  73. I https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e135b3e8ab8c4709c591d56ef8b893bb201840a4cf398ab4572a4433fb36c51.jpg have had this penny for about 50 years now and still do not know how this error happened. I have had numerous coin dealers look at it and are undecided as to its authenticity since there is no record of errors of this type. A number of years ago, I did some research on line about the 19399 date and did find someone that had posted about a misdated penny; a 19399, but have not been able to find that post thus far. No one has given me a suitable solution thus far. Most comments are since there is no record of this type error, it must be a forgery. Please advise. Thank you
    This may be a duplicate post but two new and better pics. Thanks again!

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a127ec71a8168c80d7953e178bf5044ae0c2698785006a6a65c0c9699a88d11.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a127ec71a8168c80d7953e178bf5044ae0c2698785006a6a65c0c9699a88d11.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e54c7a028ad771e46cb16389ff96cc09faa03114c35cf38db5f29eca1dcd664.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Bill —

      I’m happy to help… it looks like this coin may be a clipped planchet error — the very edge of the coin may have been miscut, creating a very tiny gap in the rim and the edge. It could also be post-Mint vice grip damage, or something similar. An in-hand inspection is probably the best for determining because the coin would need to be viewed at different angles, but there is very much the possibility that it is a Mint-made clip error. If so, it’s likely worth somewhere between $5 and $10, more or less.

      Thank you for sharing the photos and story behind this coin… Happy collecting!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thanks for the info. You were the the first person to give me a reasonable answer as to what it may be. Sure was hoping for
        More than $5-10 bucks. LOL Guess I will leave it to the kids. Again thanks!!

        Reply

        • You’re welcome, Bill! As I said, it may be worth getting it looked at in-hand, but I’m pretty confident based on the photos that it’s, at best, a relatively minor (but still neat) clipped planchet. Definitely something I would have also kept and enjoyed in my collection had I found it in circulation.

          Best wishes,
          Josh

          Reply

    • Hello, Kate!

      It looks like this coin has seen some serious post-Mint damage, based on the surface details and the type of fold presented here. Nevertheless, the coin is worth 2 cents for its copper value — and is quite the neat eye popper, too!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  75. Hi! Sorry for so many pictures. I tried to get a good picture of this penny that has the “IN GOD WE TRUST” defective. The lower portion of the letters are missing or flatten. The word “WE” has a gash in the center of the “WE”. Your opinion would be appreciated. If I need to get a better picture I will ask a friend to help me out.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fd215c192b4d0637c565b079af9f614211935bd849efddffb84322e382063f10.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3551aee50bee10708a1dfb8136591774c14fad7aec5fc0eb60d23efe9df2936d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/403d6bb4ec5b5879a126a598adee98efd030c144040fb29537f1ad3805a8f4eb.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Paul —

      This is a nice 1934 cent with good, original color. The “WE” does appear to have a small gash which appears to be post-mint damage. Overall this piece is worth 5 to 10 cents and is a nice coin for its age. A keeper in my book.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  76. Hi Joshua! I know you’ve just been waiting ti see what I’d pop up with next! Haha! Well I finally got to start going through all those coins I had my son pick up for me. Only a little less than 2 rolls of nickels so far though. Hahaha. But so far out of those I haven’t found one coin newer that 1999! And most in pretty good shape! This is one of them that I’m really not sure about. It looks like it has some kind of “doubling” and I looked for split serifs, but I just really can’t tell what it is. I am talking about the lettering, and the numbering. And if you look, you can see above the word TRUST there is a odd kind of little rim just inside the rim. Actually, ive already attached the pictures so i dont know if you can see it or not. I have got to come up with a better camera too! Trying to get it where people are seeing what I’m seeing is impossible with a phone camera! Also, I have this 1982 D penny that I’m wondering what’s going on with the date and mint mark. I swear with magnification it looks like a D underneath!
    I also figured I’d go aged and attach this pretty 1984 cent I got in change today! Are those flow lines on it? It actuall posted ahead of the other two. Hehe! Ill be looking forward to hearing from you!

    Leah
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/217675ee496c64600fe27958e65dcf5f1f74eb16f68ae29a54416d8542d8eb67.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8b5586eb09954ef30092160b308edc5c1c501b9e8a2a2c6e57c1d959fb718ec2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a8b30f682f845b203ecaf2324791b07f77692bd8b7044295eebb73f07cfba14.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/826af70af24bff2505ba712b566f936faf2fbc0e2f3b892c6b4f5bc917aa97cf.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/93e51482e0b76a17ecd753685a86c5ec5ba9f3686ee0e1cb24a177ccb6e7924d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/34c2c546f8eb8b8a8635d1fe0c97a0c00fea7870388243192832553979fd841f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a8bace303bfb7bb95ae1c9b2c7f78b01a94839c9d07f589ca5a0cb81b6a22bd.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Leah!

      Very nice… the 1984 Lincoln cent seems to be a light die clash error, which is generally worth $1 to $2. Those lines? Great guess with the flow lines, but actually those are bubbles and ripples caused by poor bonding of the copper plating to the zinc inner core. Very serious ripples can also be worth a little extra money, even though they are effectively just planchet defects.

      The 1982-D Lincoln cent is very interesting… I would have called it a repunched mintmark, but it looks like the tail of the “9” in the date is also doubled, no? I’m uncertain if this is a late-stage die or something more valuable, and would suggest getting a second opinion from die variety expert John Wexler (https://www.doubleddie.com/).

      As for the 1984 Jefferson nickel, I see what appears to be minor doubling in the LIBERTY especially. I don’t see any attributed doubled dies listed for this date, so unless it’s a new variety (possible, but unlikely) I would have to say it’s likely just machine doubling. You might pass this by Wexler also, but based on what I see it will be considered signs of die deterioration.

      You’re making some really great finds… I’m so glad you’re enjoying your numismatic journeys!

      Please post anything else you find interesting, and ask away about any questions you have.

      Cheers,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you Joshua! Of course I will keep you updated! On the 1982 D cent, it actually looks more like a die chip or or break on the number 9. I know it’s hard to tell in my photos. What are the odds it’s a die chip right next to a doubled mint mark? Lol
        Note: This coin came from change from a friend’s car I traded for change I had gone through, and the 1984 cent came from change I got from the store. It is also sightly “toned”, which at this stage (when it is just getting an evenly distributed, bluish color), I think can be very attractive. I know you can’t really see it in the photos though. I know some people look down on toning, but at the right levels, I think it gives a welcome distinction to some coins. I already have a small collection of these coins, all pennies, and most with the same planchet problem.

        Reply

        • Hi, Leah —

          It is true that toning does have both its fans and detractors, though it seems lately collectors are far more embracing of toning than they were, say, 20 years ago. Certain colors do suggest negative influences, such as chemical damage or other forms of environmental damage, but I’ve seen some blue-toned Lincoln cents take some very good prices in the high grades.

          The 1982-D cent is a tough call, only because I’m unsure about what happened to the tail of the “9” based on what I see in the images. The doubled D is almost unmistakably a repunched mintmark, and those do have some value. Normally such varieties go for $2 to $3 or more, though, again, I don’t know if the “9” will make that coin more of a complex piece or not. Its one of those things that are best judged in-hand under a coin loupe (magnifier) at different angles.

          A die chip it might be, but it looks more like the line traces the general shape of the 9, which might suggest something else in the way the die was created. Or it could be die deterioration, which isn’t necessarily a value addition.

          Hmmm….

          Til’ next time!
          Josh

          Reply

  77. Hi Joshua! First, thank you so much for giving up what has to be a lot of time looking at all of these pictures and answering all of these questions! You are doing a great service for all of us. Second, I just heard about the 1995 double-die pennies and I immediately set to work going through all of my loose change. Though I didn’t find any double-dies, I did find a 1995 penny with weird edging. I don’t know if you can tell from my picture but there is nice deep edging from the top of Lincoln’s head to the word “Liberty” and around the bottom. As you head up towards the “D” and date there is very little edging. In fact, the coin is almost completely smooth there with no groove to sort of catch your nail on. Does that make sense? I haven’t seen anything about this type of error so I am a little curious about it. Thanks again for your time. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d6524252ca46b8cd905ae4b8a6e47151fa05f63296c344e8d6dae31b884409ce.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Zina!

      I appreciate your very kind comments! It’s my pleasure to assist here!

      I’m not too sure I see exactly what you’re asking about (I’m sorry!) but it does appear this is a very well-struck Lincoln cent. It does, however, show evidence of wear. Assuming this is not a well-collected variety, if it is one, its value is probably not much more than face value. It’s still worth holding on to if you see things about it that are unusual. While it may not necessarily have any extra monetary value now, it could if collectors in the future find added value in such a piece and wish to pay you more.

      I hope this info helps!
      -Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Pedro —

      This Roosevelt dime seems to show evidence of environmental damage and is worth face value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Kani —

      Hmm… I do see the affected area on the bottom left of the obverse but the photo is a tad fuzzy and am unsure what might be going on. I do ask, is any of the reversed lettering in that area incuse (going into the surface) or reliefed (standing up from the surface, as usual on coins)?

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply

        • It looks that way, Tim, but I always prefer to see a clearer image just to make sure! Those who suspect the surface has glue or another type of resin can safely dip the coin in acetone to see if the affected surface anomaly is washed away.

          Reply

          • I keep a quart of pure acetone on hand just for such as this and to remove mild cases of PVC contamination.

          • He Joshua and Tim,

            Sorry been quite busy n had been a bit disappointed with my Penny. Anway, I have tried to clean the penny with aceton a couple of times, but there is no change. I showed it to our chemist, she also used aceton and she said it is no glue. She insisted that it is a metal, and probably, by looking at its color, she said it is copper. So, the questions is, if this copper is applied outside the mint before 2003 (the penny is in my coin collection eversince i left the USA in 2003), or at the mint?

          • Hello, Kani —

            Hmm… This is very interesting news. I suppose at this point it might be worth swinging the coin by the folks at CONECA to see if they can examine the coin in-hand and provide an answer. Here is their info: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

            Thank you so much for the update,
            Josh

      • Hi Joshua,
        Thank you for your comment.
        I will try to take a pic day time n outside (at work now, n penny at home). The shiny part seems like and feels like extra metal poured accidentaly ie zinc or copper or sth else. I write, “feels like” because when you touch the obverse, you feel there is something on the penny even if you do not look at it. Same metal on the reverse side but https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dc0ef431ca4d2bbd0f33adadf43df8788f4efff9e949345135acc525cb8e6610.jpg is less and you do not feel with your finger-see the pic. As for your questions, I will check tomorrow n will write to you. Thank you.

        Reply

        • Hi, Kani —

          Upon seeing these images, I think it may be an epoxy resin. I suggest safely dipping the coin in acetone (not necessarily nail polish, because it can contain other chemical elements that could ruin the coin). An acetone bath will remove the epoxy. If it doesn’t please let us know…

          Thank you, and good luck!
          Josh

          Reply

        • Hi, Kani —

          Thank you for the clearer photo. I think it might be an epoxy resin that was applied to the coin after it left the Mint. If this is the case, an acetone bath (which I urge you to do very cautiously, since acetone is flammable and emits strong fumes) will remove that resin. If this doesn’t work, please let us know!

          Good luck!
          Josh

          Reply

  80. I have a few nickles that don’t have backs. I found tbem in a roll of nickles from the bank. Of course at different times. I can show pics if necessary.

    Reply

  83. Hi Joshua! Haven’t been on in a while been so busy lately! I’m still here though! Here’s a couple of coins for you!
    On the 1987 D penny the 8 and 7 have machine doubling?
    The 2011 penny seems to be some sort of die clash or something?
    And the best (imo) for last…my 1960 nickel die break? Notice just below his nose, running all the way down over his shoulder is a big crack…but then there’s another one just below his mouth that runs down below his jaw…then too, there is doubling on the bottom of the letters of LIBERTY and almost his whole profile of his face! Maybe the die broke and it caused it to bounce?? Thought you’d find it interesting. 🙂 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/28ae11ae3b494cbca7b9c87609e6e289e40abfd9f0066bd0a1c3e20cebaa3f1a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/60d38a6ced50ef84cbc6f042bf9175fc8b67b9610eead4cc53c8841af6b76f7a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/01679d5f930a95bd5a707fcc0dfe07d060521bc553c24a04f13e16572c19142d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/26596a9315a6f5cd16ac39c720037afbeb669de5c195c46c64abc2def3f042d8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/584b1f73d92c808887cd016fe24de9c3707d564501e8a5b8ae2a3a8b1f2d9b5c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bf70fc5ad241c68d0c5c8008a5eb360d5491f4432345e21a882a691727c04763.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Leah!

      It is good to hear from you again. It looks like you’ve like you’ve been no less busy. The 1987-D Lincoln cent appears to have machine doubling, which is actually very common on late-1980s Lincoln cents. Yes, I do see die clash indications just along the inside of the rim, and that’s likely worth about $ to $2 based on market conditions. The line across the obverse of the Jefferson nickel does look like a die break, and it looks like a significant one, in terms of location and size. I don’t know what the value of this piece would be only because any one type of die break isn’t commonly traded. However, I know some collectors would pay $5 to $10 or more for coins with major obverse die breaks.

      So glad to know you’re still enjoying the hobby and making some really neat finds. I look forward to seeing more of the coins you discover!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hello, Paul!

      So glad to hear you’ve found The Fun Times Guide to Coins interesting! We’re glad to have you aboard. Hmm… I do see something of the word CENTS on the reverse of the middle nickel. Note, too, that area appears extra dark. I suspect that part of the coin has seen some type of post-Mint damage, and quite possibly was intentionally altered to obliterate the word CENTS from the coin. We could only speculate as to why, but perhaps someone wanted to pass this coin off for something apparently worth more than just five cents. Who knows?

      Based on what I see, your 1883 No Cents nickel is worth at least $7 to $10, and the 1883 With Cents on the right is valued at around $5 to $7 or so. Assuming the 1883 in question was altered post Mint, I’d put its value at around $3 to maybe $5.

      Thank you for your question,
      Josh

      Reply

  85. Hey I found this quarter a long time ago I’m not sure if it a a mint error or not. Could you tell me where I can find out

    Reply

    • Hi, Shawn —

      The “P” was counterstamped some time ago by somebody outside of the Mint. If the origin of the “P” can be traced (such as, perhaps, to a store giveaway or as a makeshift token piece), it could be worth a small sum. Otherwise, I’d put its value at around $1 to $2, which is the value most coins such as this one sell for with unidentified counterstamps.

      Thank you for your question and photos,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Jennifer —

      This is a neat-looking piece. This looks like an epoxy or resin impression of the reverse (tail’s side) of a Lincoln Memorial cent. Actually, such post-Mint impressions are relatively common, and in this case is further evidenced by what appears to be remnants of epoxy residue on other parts of this coin. In most cases, this can be verified by (safely) dipping the coin in pure acetone, which ordinarily removes glues and resins.

      I hope this info is helpful,
      Josh

      Reply

  88. Hi Joshua,
    I got this quarter as part of some change, not sure if someone changed it on purpose or if it is some kind of odd error.. ( if someone did it it will go along with my collection of smooshed pennies) https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5605662d5e536bbe27a154ee8cf2e53801248bc063eb71cb012c00924687bbb6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/035dcdbe8115ae526399f151f54b6517c434841d866d4c8acb994b78f08b6148.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e97a2e2e00856a96e79896e470b634fab0de37f1ed49e043ab14a4d9192cf23.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Tracy —

      The reverse (or tail’s side) of this quarter has been machined, or sanded off. This is a post-Mint alteration that may have been performed for a number of reasons, including use as an illusionist’s coin or incorporated into a piece of jewelry. In either case, it’s worth at most 25 cents, though technically a coin with such extensive mutilation barely qualifies for use as legal tender and could be redeemed for scrap value under the Mint’s mutilated coin policy.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Allison —

      Based on what I see with the grooves on the planed surface, type of cuts, and straight lines, this 2016 Cumberland Gap quarter appears to have suffered some extreme post-Mint damage. At best, its worth face value though it’s possible it would be rejected by coin-operated vending machines.

      Thank you for your question — and keep on searching!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you for responding! I’m curious what happened to this coin. On the side where part of the image is missing, the surface is very smooth and shiny.

        Reply

  92. 2 specimens of 5 Kronor coins from Sweden, one from 1983, one from 1984. Do you believe these are errors or simply altered? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/23be135746b555b262ba2404598a401c8e0c58bf9619fbbf8b184db191955da6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/15408b43cc20c9869a893549b70b3e4e75c363806fe5d6ffb25dc79132c94c97.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5e968987651f69c777c5c04d7c4c40fb08c8988db6fdd5dae5873058b2f9a824.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eb0356f231cfbc18088e4897a751f7ab4974093521fa9cdecf8e8a4bbd8a06f6.jpg coins?

    Reply

    • Hello, Emil —

      Admittedly, I’m not as familiar with coins from certain regions of the world as I am with U.S., Canadian, and British coinage. I believe the bottom coin, which shows weak surface details, may be a die trial piece; such coins are known for having very weak overall detail as die pressure was being adjusted and thus tested on planchets. The other pieces show rim anomalies that may or may not be errors or varieties.

      I suggest you send these images to CONECA: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      They are the undisputed experts in die varieties and may have familiarity with certain errors or varieties known among the 5 Kronur coins of the era.

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Marua —

      This is definitely an error coin, and it looks like possibly a multi-strike error — note part of the rim is missing on the right side of the coin as well. These can be worth $5 to $10 or more.

      Very nice find!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      This piece has been severely worn — it appears the high spots were worn down, perhaps intentionally, and have exposed the coin’s zinc inner core (which is why it appears lighter in some areas). It looks like this damage happened many years ago. The coin is worth face value, but it’s nevertheless unusual.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  96. I found this 1975 dime that appears to have either a few errors or major wear and tear. I was wondering if you could tell me what the possibilities are. In the pictures below, I have the dime in question on the left hand side next to a 1975 dime that is in good condition for comparison. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9cb34d7be775a90cb9a76cad3cb60ede1a9f83373c5d7c57d29ce96dfbb5a74c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/70d5e58f5bfabb3a947dc35a9463a87c93299a439453a9426f8566af9f291831.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Allison —

      Aww, poor 1975 Roosevelt dime… It’s lived a very hard 42 years. The oddities on this coin that you see are all post-Mint damage. The coin is worth face value, but I’m sure it’s life story is one I’d pay more than a dime to hear.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  97. I just came across a bicentennial quarter that is in excellent shape, so much so, that I’m wondering if this coin holds a substantial value or not. I have placed the coin in excellent condition next to another bicentennial to show the remarkable difference. Any input would be great! Thank you. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/637562bc58661fd93f292676f3653ef2ac8a12e7486863fe11d44dd9fb80136f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0b0a4283c5b6f778b9cfedb859748b48f3f262f1e770f86e50f8f64be3124384.jpg

    Reply

  98. Hi Joshua
    I was wondering if you could tell me about the errors on this 1952 penny well they seem like errors to me id say double die if you need better pics let me know and I will try to get them I don’t think I got a very clear pic of the back but it also looks like there’s some double die on it if these are errors what do you think the value would be https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ba714beab634833c605ffb12930485d0187a8dbfee981fa0a88b3566f2436ad7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2b710f872f30cc02a652bbfcdf60cce765ca860ccc0f500733792c4ec5d41969.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/134327bcb6494e7cfbd47bf734fb63cf68fcae950f75bef398535870427f7aa8.jpg

    Reply

  100. Hi Josh
    I have a 1983 penny that weighs 2.8g
    I’ve heard about the 1983 copper penny error weighing 3.1g . 1983 should only weigh 2.5g. I compared it with a 1983 doubled die that weighs 2.5g
    Have you heard of any other 1983 pennies https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9446f6f6ed2034c91b135753876ff4f37db43f768c589b9acb1d9c11d8aef980.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/185d3541bb98f2269f53544816d2888ac366c835e87f319772c775078c667322.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f53fdc70a9e625b188d6be34dafdd40fef9b8e1e49f7f0168bd0a10c7d6bdbce.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/416fd41a5e5ee8ac1254f736b2f3543083748be6b174380f68781a14ec7f0b20.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/23580b39c24e59ef658efc0d4b7c735c6b2ff041f4d09de0527d3fa4bc43d021.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f6cd42a474e97392da222c071b3ae5a967879d7c53ef9ad5448aa265427ee60b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0625143985da8bfca59f0c0aa9ce0ba92a1dfee7a212fde7d9c88113b382f7b1.jpg with this error? Any help is appreciated, Thanks.

    Reply

  101. Hi Josh,
    First off, I want to thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.
    I have a 1986 D zinc penny that weighs 2.5 grams and it is missing the outer copper layer. I believe this is a true mint error because of the coins detail. I am seeking your opinion to help me decide if I should have it examined and possibly graded?
    Photos attached and thanks again for your service.
    Patty K. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b018ef13e36e5eaa79fd30ab1c5ecba22b306db89295e5d2eea8d6899a839af5.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7ef4c69a82bd1add346a389b59f9507c89b4a03f698413d65af0f9a670fb3a87.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/56161eef88c6cd02caefe548b01179e59ff654ee722d474b11ca512e5a25a949.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b62fea50bbd8b4d4d9bf3b7192b6d50d1f81d69a5c0968bfe15531d72119d832.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b1b30c8b7379224157112f3ca1af650549456f74f9667882cf6976318c47c89b.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Patricia —

      This one’s interesting…. It’s hard to say in absence of a lighting source I can verify if this is toning or, more likely, the coin’s zinc showing through. I’m inclined to say, based on the way the zinc core is shaded into the copper coating at the coin’s perimeter, that this coin may have had a chemical treatment of some sort. If this were an error, in almost every likelihood, the entire copper coating would be absent. Without seeing the coin in-hand, I believe this is a post-Mint alteration but by all means feel free to pass this by someone else for a second, in-hand opinion.

      Here’s some info on finding a good coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
      And a great coin variety database, with experts who officially attribute errors: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  102. Hi joshua
    I have a 1998 quarter with what looks like either a die clash or die scratches around the face and under the eye. I need your opinion. THANKS https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3438f10084d9db49078b80f6583622376775d5a07f11141ba665ee87f0e3112d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/86ee623a9f1fc632e25d813f1979f17120c38989174566965d97173a2b926888.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8932bd9a45b1605ade0b3b2584e71b1739308b712300c6e982ff08aacf3874e8.jpg

    Reply

  103. Hi joshua
    I want to thank you for your help.
    I have a 1944 penny with what looks like a lamination peel. I love this one because it’s peeled under the neck separating the head from the body. What do you think about this one? THANKS again. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f839a9e15a50f5fd9c07c1e18799d37be39a3f7bbf38ef15fc6913530e3716c0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/28831db845b80085ea327f9e4e5b8a284bebd4e50f7237a1a61c84cdcbde717e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5f94b45c7192d3e66ec27a85be342cf081e59af38ac2a9cba4853f81228d7f4f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/428297103b29ef97f403abf7e324e47b9436d8c2da27a95ecd58e294b2456712.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3397887e9e7c413aeb95dd62d97f6a208411adce43c3cbc7f863659eb826314a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/43b31787f1866ea1395ba4cf49133bf3b34f28493d7decf99345a7f107e88ced.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Robert —

      From what I see in these images, this appears to be surface staining or discoloration. Without seeing the coin in-hand I can’t say for certain. It might be worth passing these images by the folks at CONECA: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  104. Hello Joshua
    I have three 2014 pennies with a mark under Lincolns neck, all three have the mark in the same position.
    Is this caused by a dirty die? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/03f78bad85f79a8e7c968791de38ceb3f8c30ec02ef3eec0b6cc1dfd6663694c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/605b92ccc0f0c7bca267fa8282f8ffba49487e10f49975b573101210eb8c1b96.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f1f22e64bedbadd239b079b4976f11266002a8b95c156702b09d7dcb5a3281f2.jpg

    Reply

  106. Hello Joshua
    Again I would like to thank you for your advise and web sites you have provided me. I have five 2015 pennies with a die gouge coming out the shield. The gouge it https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/185261ff9d0d34044140cc9dd391923a9b0f9b3e4c4ae6288f4ba3da801979a0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/44fd8f53c561fec75c6351579efff2f89346072e7c7ac012027f7aaf964c4a5e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/99adb437ac4da3c947c8e18f475e5d34e85b7d9fad10a9d2a622e4b977b6ce0a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/27f514f2a0da26fd0688e8474a2e988f60e4b3d6844228ab6a0a2d5d84c83b51.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8bc0679627b28b4e1f8fb2c603ca6fd58ad824a6218626da05445ee1fc635416.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9741c561b8b8f4697848493e95e6325f04deb3c2653755dea3a9852d8135d7f4.jpg looks like the tip of a nail. Would this add any extra value to these pennies.
    I ask these questions just to get someone else’s opinion before I go sending off coins, so I appreciate it a lot. THANKS again

    Reply

    • Hi, Robert —

      I do see what looks like raised elements, or die gouges. These are collectible, though as for value that is determined based on the demand for a particular effect. Oftentimes, the value is just a few dollars, which may not justify getting these coins certified and slabbed — something that usually costs $15 to $20 or more each, minimum. You might confirm these are die gouges by sending them to John Wexler, who I *think* charges only $5 or so per coin for attribution. Here’s his info: https://www.doubleddie.com/

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  107. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f3f007a70308bacb34d427934f96f59215ba88128a0378856347cad73dea03f3.jpg

    Is this an error or a damaged coin? The rim has a line or crease all the way around making it look like two dimes stuck together ?

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/51a376daf4b8a9e8aa9f3e8d4100efeaf681c74cd07f5c78eac64bb222e749d8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0e1a10006a4c48ecca0b7098e32f822749a3857f8240d73ae6c1b96382658867.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ba8fb487d32d2a0ddc955ddfab0ba226e50cbdde17ac6b9ad6e04dcd417a0ae4.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Ashley —

      From what I can tell in the photos, the darkness and otherwise odd surfaces on this Roosevelt dime are caused by environmental damage. Assuming this to be the case, it’s worth face value.

      Thank you for your question and for posting the helpful image!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  108. Hello my friend, and thank you for your attention in advance.
    I was going through my coin collection recently, and noticed this one 1983 kennedy half dollar with very sharp, overlapping, raised serrations around the edge protruding on the tail side of the coin
    I was only curious if this would have any collectible appeal?

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a0df7fbf38ae27c919565a98e692df649ad42df078151eb5c6cd5343ae75f1ac.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/81790f57a13c930d9a755d31ff05fa8ce1dca74ede9898507c8d1e0dc05a09e2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/50f02b922aecc377121f3c6c7d8a4fde6a1dd2b6e75355b8e00091d42e98de9d.jpg .

    Reply

    • Hello, Paul —

      Hmm… this could be caused by a collar issue, or perhaps very strong strike pressure, but I’m not sure. It may have also been due to post-Mint damage — the edge of the coin squeezed inward by blunt pressure, thus pushing the edge reeding upward. I suggest you swing these photos by the folks at coin variety and error group CONECA. They can probably provide a better explanation in this instance.

      Here’s their info: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  109. I have a 1982 quarter and I’ve never seen another coin like it, could you tell me what happened to it and if its real or fake and its value? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/16403c48d3b6d0b5d5a9d4b34a2af6941e7cb1d9de3054ac6443cd0b489d6646.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1da6cf8946a02cd6d3197bd5ec023efe3bf373836d46ca23f7ea26f0bf24b3f5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c3f3bbcc355f0e82a1a5cc8210030218dee8a7f0758432d2f49f4fcc7bcc5314.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0a80ff2145e1d90180cb48f2e6685f573f0b6647984b37a65e1e1e18e1b020e4.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Breanna —

      Hmm… The coin definitely appears authentic, but I believe, based on the mottled appearance of its surface, that this coin may have been exposed to a very caustic agent, perhaps even acid of some type. This would explain the pitted surface (at least, it appears pitted in the photo). The edge, too, appears to have been affected, eating away at some of the reeding. It’s worth face value, but this coin might be fun to hang on to since it appears so unusual.

      Cool find!
      Josh

      Reply

        • Hi, Breanna —

          The copper part is grooved? This isn’t evident (at least to me!) in the photo, but that seems to describe a piece that has been altered post-Mint. An anomaly like that wouldn’t have been really been possible at the Mint due to coin preparation and striking procedures as they are, save for some highly unusual error in processing within the collar (which creates the reeded edge, or milling, when the coin is struck. While I’m very confident this is indeed a post-Mint alteration, if you would like, you could get a second opinion from the folks at CONECA: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

          Interesting find to say the least!
          Josh

          Reply

  110. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d7c6b81be6fe7d26fecd0a9b367bfcd10f83e656461cad809e77356ae65c7492.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e2a6271a0f7cb58ffcc63ba22db3a68745f391581bd1a65e5dffdb5d12b8aa3e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cebba4d8df3b118ff3eb653105d86a7ba42dbd0c42049b7de02bb8deabf8d1ca.jpg I recently found this 1980’s gold on one side quarter and I was curious if someone had just done this for a keepsake or is it worth anything ?

    Reply

    • Hello, Annemarie!

      Yes, many folks do gold plate coins as keepsakes, and many private mints have done the same thing. The bottom line is that it’s not a Mint error, and the gold is worth only 1 or 2 cents. Essentially, this coin is worth face value from the monetary standpoint, though if I had found it I’d keep it aside as a novelty anyway… You just don’t find gold-plated quarters every day!

      Cool find!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Angel —

      This piece was unfortunately altered post Mint. I can tell you why I know this for two reasons:

      A — Those deep cuts on the reverse of the dime
      B — The weakness on the reverse could have been indicative of a rare die trial, if not for the fact that the center of the coin has normal circulated details and the obverse of the coin is normal

      So, based on the photos, this is a damaged (but otherwise normal) circulated copper-nickel clad Roosevelt dime that’s worth face value.

      Thank you for question and photos!
      Josh

      Reply

  113. Hi, Josh. I have a nickel with raised edges, and a dime with a smooth copper and silver rim. Can you advise? Thanks in advance! I’ve replied to this post with the pictures. Kind regards

    Reply

    • Hi, Sherry —

      Without seeing a photo I can’t say for sure, but I can tell you that circulated 1959 Lincoln cents are worth 2 cents each for their copper value. If you can upload a photo (by clicking on the rectangular icon under the comment box — JPEG files work well) I’d be happy to take a look.

      Thank you!
      Josh

      Reply

  115. Hi joshua, I have a 1990 p dime and a 1998p dime with errors. The 1990 has a horn on the forehead rite before the hair line and the 1998 has a dot in the word state on the reverse. Are these worth a get checked out .Thanks https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0359a3e10b32ff765dbdec973f2ed22fb95e23458e6524c56d75006d7d512840.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/54f42d06d6dffb0a671bd9267e4e1c93608f3a1d58cd5a3c1e2768fbdd85c546.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3cee0158879749735f967489b6feb4b5da174226a66023a150995282e322c49c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/113591703dfeaf5309b5a2d8c1b5a6050df9c26c1ac8e287377346a1d17e2eeb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f72799a778ff5507eac6c595007e3be53d9927ffb374055cad95cf3e0bb2bf8f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d4f9abde58688d7bfe63e38799cc42b9da3e8e46764403e4c6b7174bbd0ea1e1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/29ce139a3ed2d261206f1f9a139ba08314edb0cedd9aed2b79b2ecb3abcce1b9.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Robert —

      Yes, I think these are worth getting checked, because I think what you have here are coins with die chips/die breaks. If so, and I believe that’s the case based on what I see in the photos, they could be worth something substantial over face value IF the varieties are verified and garner some attention in the numismatic media.

      You could send photos of this dime to the variety experts at CONECA and see what they say. Here’s a link to their website: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Michael —

      This almost looks like a strike-through error. The squiggly line could be cloth, though it’s hard to say for certain. I suggest you send this image to the folks at CONECA for a second opinion and to ensure it’s a strike-through and not post-Mint damage. Here’s CONECA’s link: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hello, Tammy —

      This coin has experienced some heavy post-Mint damage, as seen in the gouges and hits on the obverse and reverse; this has lent to an unusual wear pattern, too. This piece is worth face value.

      Thank you for your question,
      Josh

      Reply

  118. Hi joshua, I found a 2007 p James https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/91dbfde3f0b3edf2f3d8f26bd6c3d5dc9bf02b54a128c076b4d81a4a4ceed851.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/208edff52174729eea70f5e603302272a502fae0ea776b69867915014a07c1cc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e8be576557c34f23f2b7ce0bdd3fee9cdfc18e1bc3799aebacf1b5e50a2106ed.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a96ed197b63342ce249ad22abacba5b10a937d3e04ce40243ab909c1f939c40.jpg Madison dollar with what looks like a backwards ‘D’ stamped next to the ‘P’ in word E.pluribus around the rim and an ‘I’ that looks like it was made from a ‘0’ in the word -in-. Both https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/47b5bbe425531db9d9ddd90c7e3b87b54c94454213fae520d850dea3958b45fa.jpg are raised not sunken. What do you think about this coin .Thanks again for all the help

    Reply

    • Hello, Robert —

      The “O” around the stamp looks like a normal impression of the edge lettering device, but the “D,” while I believe is a similar type of anomaly as the “O/I” issue also mentioned here, surely does look like a distinct “D,” doesn’t it? On that, I’m going to suggest submitting the coin to CONECA for a second opinion as they are the variety experts in the hobby.

      Here’s their website: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  119. Hello Joshua! Long time no see! Don’t worry, I won’t leave for good. Lol I’ve just had a lot going on. So I’ll have a few different posts. I have two different coins for this post, they’re both 1989 d Lincoln cents. The first one no big deal there’s a lot of machine doubling on the date especially, and there are four pictures of it. But on the second coin; check out the LIBE in Liberty especially on the obverse, and again there’s some machine doubling on the date. Then on the reverse, would you look at the E and R in America?! I understand the first coin is machine doubling, also that 89 d doubling isn’t a variety, but I just had to see what you’d say. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ed7a68c6707ec09f02b8f3cd47d91ee4bf6c13ee0b44891e15390ad550064f40.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b7d6827fe5f1e697438298b93e98237369956677642b931bccb0937c6f59a5d2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cfddfd9ea3759b831f21a39fb50c665e5346801ff8b60a0179bfc4725863b44.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cd6cea2b6a1a081b6dfd1e1ed8185f2eaeb654f1e0d0d6ec09f1d50ea6e14a7b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4f5908000ce96b2959bec76aeac24cfbde9dba396103eca7fedc004b53fa84f2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6135fe739808404642a49bd73879c4e5c43bc6b37b2aaf500c4e6c27a501419a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cfddfd9ea3759b831f21a39fb50c665e5346801ff8b60a0179bfc4725863b44.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/51e15e95f7a4913c365e7353bc784a31f59b65f268ce8ca51553fb0c3af74404.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/50696d895d683acb3422da731305d795d6dac6a663f08e74434590cd670a2e14.jpg

    Reply

    • Hey, Leah!

      It’s good to hear from you! I think you’re right about the first 1989-D — I think it exhibits evidence of machine doubling. But the second coin seems to have some distinct die issues. What’s exciting is that it appears the IBE have distinct, stair-step doubling, or at least that what’s I see in the photo. I hope this is the case, because that would ordinarily indicate much more than simple machine doubling. I think you should definitely pass the photo by variety expert John Wexler or CONECA. Here are their links:

      CONECA: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm
      John Wexler: https://doubleddie.com/

      I’m crossing some fingers for you,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you! I’ll keep you updated! In the meantime I thought I’d post this and show you the little gem I found when I stuck my hand down in a bag of change. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/904c3849a2d7a926fecee8c24ac7d6448e70c4c9767aa274c67630c0b032135d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/31f45c50eb2fc1380b669c7adf973462a9a17ae55283a8ffd6368125237c4c4f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1e97c4915bd2a4619d9d0d71a68a2f87fd365c1d690ebfeffea73b9588de4110.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/947a318aef036d35a57e08e1b2a809bd8ff3c57e0cd32f5355434f5f9f4100af.jpg

        Reply

        • Awesome, Leah! It certainly looks like a beautiful clipped planchet! These are generally worth $5 to $10, though often more — and this piece looks like it’s uncirculated to boot.

          Keep up whatever it is that you’re doing, my friend!
          -Josh

          Reply

          • Okay, I will! 🙂 I emailed John Wexler and sent him the pictures of my coin. We’ll see if I hear anything back from him. It’s difficult not yo get your hopes up, but I have tell myself it’s probably nothing, because you know how it is when a person gets all excited just to find out they were wrong. I’m really glad to have you yo run things by, because some of the collectors on some of the sites you can join are down right mean. Good thing I’m so tenacious! Lol!

            Leah

          • Leah, I’m really excited to find out what John says! Yes, it’s frustrating when a coin we think is a rare variety is just post-mint damage or the like. But, that’s how we learn to identify errors and varieties versus damage and that helps us grow as collectors.

            I’m looking forward to the next update!
            Josh

          • Hi Joshua. I got an email from John Wexler about the 1989 Lincoln cent, this is what he said.
            “From your photos it looks like the doubling might be a case of what the Mint calls plating buckling, however, I would have to sdee the coin itself to say anything definitively.”
            So does that mean if it is plating buckling it’s worth face value? I’m going to keep it just on the fact I actually got an email from John Wexler about it! Lol I tried looking up this plating buckling and couldn’t find anything about it. Then there IS the possibility it isn’t that…
            Looking forward to hearing from you.
            Leah

          • Hi, Leah!

            Hmm… I’m not sure if the plate buckling would be worth much above face value; I’ve not heard much about plate buckling and I can’t tell if there is much market demand for such pieces. I’d actually suggest sending the coin along anyway just to get his verification and see what he says, if the inspection fee (I think $4? Maybe more nowadays?) and postage isn’t too much for you to handle. If nothing else, it might be worth the cost just to get his explanation, if he provides any further clues. That’s my 2 cents, anyway!

            Good luck!
            Josh

          • Thank you Joshua! I have a couple of other coins I’d like to send in, and have the packaging to do it, so I may just do that sometime soon!

            Leah

  120. Hi joshua, I want to thank you again for all your help. Today I found a 1964 D nickel with a doubled mint mark , i searched and I could not find anything about this coin. Tell me can you see what I see? Thanks again. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2638cb16cb095e1dee93086490050212125f9889533f0b6802866c5906d53bc3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a2a9c9baa500166c1ee988002ffe2a2c5a3d4ba503043dc4811d9dc9e61dbd37.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/98f4cf3b3bfba6df38dd20a754876b8f164e2fd59188f5b00f8240d79e88a25b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/04b8274363c6690bd3a706fd9b66930a49992656a69ed0a9ffe86ad617f88569.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0492e27f569831eac679bcfc3e4e93823fc3b8c34d4189145061868ce0c3fe09.jpg

    Reply

  122. Hi Joshua
    I found this penny and I was wondering what all you can tell about it is this what is considered faint imaging or what it’s a (I think) 1971 penny https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d9d9b52a0ca27d26825de57ee6752f9a5602cb5323600eafb0f5b2eaa1c0bd4f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3c51639aff03e85f8c53eecfdee40c9b25c0fdfad661683341848ab7036743b2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aa3e90af8053c6045d3feec7a14820a3743f87d31c8e5004d30afd8bcb8e6128.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      Nice find! I’m pretty confident the issue with this coin have to do with a weak strike and not simply wear-related problems, but my question is if this is a die trial strike or something else. I suggest sending these photos to the variety experts at CONECA and see if they can confirm, as die trials are often worth $25 or more.

      Here’s CONECA’s info: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Fingers crossed!
      Josh

      Reply

  123. Hello josh, I found this 1963 penny it is a little smaller and thinner then any other penny and it weighs 2.5g . I only did a drop test and it has the same sound as a copper penny. Do you think it is fake and why would someone fake that date. THANKS again. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/095fa03e291ebc07a903459389de94bd2765b66000c0dcaf167acf9c3de7c190.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3da391882d4ceb598fefc505b690b2f688a3a003103215d7152da3e11f2e3a29.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ba480bcfa58f1b793325ff07f1277a39d6542b32934e9714264f4aae8dc098d4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2c2bc21e169103f19e0417b35bb2bd35def83295eb2985daa3cc864ee9fd7767.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8fefe9f0ccddbb96ef4ed003ec16997d1b77f61995404876d07da35fa7928d9e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3555385c3d4ce534075b3746ae281f5d1fdc4f6a7ca960e11880a8df5998ddda.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2fdec85ea5def95099232908d20714eab73f888c59c2135cfffeefe283ba505e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/27961f5f246a30d28d6be2af304b2f5ab2f0bd4312c6d6d4e9990fb7be674d9f.jpg

    Reply

    • Good morning, Robert —

      Hmm… This one is stumping me. Ordinarily it looks like it would be an issue with porosity — possibly caused by an acid bath. However, the appearance of cracks on the reverse, the color, and the weight lea me to wonder if this might be (unlikely) possibly a wrong planchet error — a cent struck on a silver dime planchet. I have my doubts, but the aforementioned opens up that remote possibility. I suggest sending these images to John Wexler or the folks at CONECA for a second expert opinion.

      John Wexler: https://doubleddie.com/
      CONECA: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      I’m crossing my fingers for you…
      -Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Glen —

      While anything is possible, this is unlikely. I’d love to see a photo of this coin so I can help determine what may have happened to it. It’s possible that it’s a regular, but discolored, nickel, but won’t know until I can look at it.

      Thank you!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Edward —

      Yes, this is an altered piece — two real coins involved (a Washington quarter and Kennedy half dollar) that were joined together. While this coin has no numismatic value, it’s an interesting piece that may be worth a dollar or two to someone who collects novelty coins.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  128. i have a 1969S mint set in which the penny looks odd. It has unusual lines running in different directions over pretty much the entire face. the rear of the penny looks normal. the lines almost look like finger prints.

    Reply

    • Hi, Tony —

      These look like discoloration marks and perhaps even fingerprints… It’s possible this coin was improperly handled at the US Mint or even was placed in the set to replace another example (probably one removed by a collector). At any rate, this is a decent proof 1969-S cent worth about 75 cents to $1.

      Thank you for your question and photo!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Charlotte —

      It looks like I see a minimal machine doubling in the letters, though I can’t be sure in this photo. Such pieces are sometimes worth a very small amount over face value, especially if a specific example has collector demand. This piece looks interesting; I’d probably hang on to it if I were you.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  132. Is this a mint error? You can see part of the reverse side of the coin is showing on the front side. Looks more as a period of time with the back of one coin laying upon another under some sort of pressure in some sort of conditions unknown. What do you think? Would it be possible for one side to be stamped on the other side from mint? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/63731ee36905eb8080b3b98e8fa8c1d7fd58e66921ab305306204c672b41f7af.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2ae0a354894a3acef8e18fc3d765605d7e5ae85431fcb3364deeb8d08aab8a72.jpg
    The seller was asking 400 dollars. Skeptical that this is a mint error and /or its worth.

    Reply

    • Hi, Daron —

      It’s hard to say for sure from the photo, but it looks like the impression may have actually been made in some type of glue residue. You could know for sure by safely soaking the coin in acetone for 30 seconds to 1 minute; if it’s glue residue, it will come right off the obverse of the Lincoln cent.

      Very interesting…
      Josh

      Reply

  133. I have a dime without a face. There is silver barely outlining the head but nothing else but a copper from the middle on the front. The front is perfectly smooth. The back is normal.

    Reply

    • Hello, Sam —

      Ooh, yes! Do keep this. It’s an error penny. It was struck way off center and is worth about $7 to $10.

      Nice find,
      Josh

      Reply

        • Hey, Sam —

          Let’s say you start by looking through all of your United States coins. I have a link here that will help you find out the most valuable coins for the six major current denominations, cent through dollar: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coins/

          I hope you have some of the coins listed in the directory! Please let me know if you have any more questions or thoughts about your coins.

          Good luck,
          Josh

          Reply

  135. Hi Joshua, I just found a penny that has been re-stamped front on back and back on front. Where do I go with that? You can see the pillars from the back lightly on the front and Lincolns head outline on the back. What do you suggest I do?

    thank you
    mp

    Reply

    • Hello, Brian —

      It looks like someone took a drill to your 1986 cent, probably to drill into it and while protecting another surface under the coin. This piece is worth face value.

      Thank you for your question — and interesting picture!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Sue!

      Cool — it looks like this coin was toned through some sort of chemical immersion. This definitely happened outside of the U.S. Mint. There are individuals who pay more for toned coins, but the question is how much will they pay for a piece like this, which was probably intentionally dipped to achieve this unique effect?

      You might consider listing the coin on eBay if you’re interested in selling it and see what it gets for bidding action.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Josh,  this coin is only this way on the front.  The back is normal.  Any idea how someone could do this on the front only?ThanksSue

        Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
        ——– Original message ——–From: Disqus Date: 10/24/17 4:39 AM (GMT-08:00) To: sekent48@gmail.com Subject: Re: Comment on Have Error Coins? Here’ s How To Tell A Normal Or Altered Coin From A Real Error Coin
        “Hi, Sue!

        Cool — it looks like this coin was toned through some sort of chemical immersion. This definitely happened outside of the U.S. Mint. There are individuals who pay more for toned coins, but the question is how much will they pay for a piece like this, which was probably intentionally dipped to achieve this unique effect?
        You might consider listing the coin on eBay if you’re interested in selling it and see what it gets for bidding action.
        Best wishes,
        Josh”

        Settings

        A new comment was posted on U.S. Coin Guide

        JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

        Hi, Sue!Cool — it looks like this coin was toned through some sort of chemical immersion. This definitely happened outside of the U.S. Mint. There are individuals who pay more for toned coins, but the question is how much will they pay for a piece like this, which was probably intentionally dipped to achieve this unique effect?You might consider listing the coin on eBay if you’re interested in selling it and see what it gets for bidding action.Best wishes, Josh

        7:39 a.m., Tuesday Oct. 24

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        Sue Crume Kent:

        Joshua, h https://uploads.disquscdn.c… ave you ever seen a penny like this? Read more

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        • Hello, Sue —

          I didn’t realize that the front was the only side affected, but nevertheless a one-sided toning aberration is still achievable either through intentional chemical application or naturally by placing part of the head’s side (obverse) of the coin upon a surface covered with chemicals — for example, the penny may have been partially laying on the unused strip of an envelope flap with adhesive… that’s just one of many scenarios where partial toning like this could have happened.

          At any rate, the colorful toning is post-Mint and will only add value to the coin if a collector is willing to pay for a piece with that specific type of toning. There are many folks out there who might pay a small premium for a Lincoln cent with that type of toning.

          I hope this info is helpful!
          Josh

          Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      It looks like the “N” in “IN” has some moderate post-Mint damage resulting in the right part of the “N” being displaced. This 1980 penny is still worth 2 cents for its intrinsic copper value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      Actually, this is a regular 1919 Lincoln cent with heavy wear and possibly a light rim bump which, when worn flat, will look like a bulge. The “L” in “LIBERTY” is also heavily worn, though this is a normal wear trait for this coin. I’d value this piece at about 10 to 15 cents. It’s a nice -looking coin with a lot of honest wear and nice, original color.

      Cool find,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      This 1981 penny is indeed off center, but it’s only a few percent off-center. Normally, an off-center strike has to get to about 10 percent or more for it to really garner any value as an error coins. Therefore, this piece is not necessarily going to fetch any extra money. You’ll be glad to know this piece is worth 2 cents — double its face value — due to the coin’s copper value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Tammy —

      This 1998 Lincoln cent does have some extensive obverse wear/damage, but I’m not sure if that’s why some of the lettering on the obverse is nearly obliterated. It seems like it may have a strike weakness. I’m inclined to say it might be a late die state on the obverse, but I’m not positive because Lincoln’s head shows relatively strong detail. Plus there is the presence of heavy marks leads me to wonder if the coin suffered some type of concentric post-Mint damage/wear — very possible. I actually suggest sending these photos to the die variety experts at CONECA to see if they might be able to provide a second opinion.

      Here’s their info: https://varietyvista.com/index.htm

      Good luck, and thank you for reaching out!
      -Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Kevin —

      Interesting find! The “S” is actually a post-Mint counterstamped feature. Who knows why someone stamped it there, but it looks like it may have been placed on the coin by a business, perhaps to use the coin as a coupon or token. These pieces actually have carry some interest with exonumia/novelty coin collectors. There isn’t a “book value,” per se, for your piece, but I’ve seen similar ones sell for 50 cents to $1. If we only knew who exactly put it there (for example, a particular business), it could be worth even more to those collectors.

      I’d either keep it for now if I were you… Or sell it to an exonumia collector. But whatever you do, don’t spend it at face value!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you for your reply, I do collect penny’s and other coins and this one barely caught my eye.I was hoping it was that once in a lifetime rare San Francisco coin Sincerely,Kevin “S”

        Reply

  146. Hello Josh I have a 1920 penny that clearly has an extra edge all the way around !! This is for sure not from being used ? Can you help ? It also has some lamination issues !! And can clearly see a gap between the penny and the edge on the backside !!

    Reply