My First Coin: The Gateway Into A Fun Hobby

by

Joshua

Fun With Coins, Hobbies & Crafts

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first-coin-1-photo-by-joshua.JPG We all started with our first coin.

Everybody has a story as to how they got involved in coin collecting.

Here’s a brief story of my first coin and how I began my long and enjoyable journey into coin collecting…

 

The 1941 Lincoln Wheat Penny

It was October 1992.

Mom had been giving me some small change as spending money in exchange for little tasks and chores I was doing around the house.

One night, she handed me something like a dollar in change. Some quarters, nickels, I think a dime, and then some pennies.

One penny stuck out to me.

It was heavily worn, and had 2 stalks of wheat on the back. Funny… I was always used to seeing the Lincoln Memorial on the back of all the pennies I’d seen.

I was holding a 1941 Lincoln wheat cent, and it was the oldest coin I had ever recalled seeing in my own hands.

I was 11 years old.

 

Was I Rich?

One of the first thoughts that ran through my little head was, ‘How rich am I now?!’

I called out to Mom, telling her what I had found.

She seemed quite impressed. I thought the coin I was holding was worthy of placement in a museum.

The coin is 40 years older than I. I was already aware enough of history to realize it dated back to the beginnings of World War II and was made back when my grandparents were much younger… and before any of my aunts or uncles were alive.

Surely, the coin had to be rare and valuable, right?

Well, the next day, I opened the Yellow pages (remember, this was before the days of going online to look things up) and started calling local coin dealers. I was excited about my find and wanted to know just how many thousands of dollars my worn 1941 penny was worth.

As you’d guess, within three phone calls, I’d confirmed my coin wasn’t worth thousands of dollars, but — rather — about 5 to 10 cents.

 

Coin Collecting Added A New Member To Its Ranks

But I wasn’t crushed at all. In fact, it was too late. Coins had already hooked me. The history behind that old coin intrigued me.

I wanted more of these old pennies.

I begun searching through all the change in Mom’s purse and and the countless pennies in Dad’s change bucket.

I wound up finding a 1950s wheat penny — in Dad’s hoard of pocket change.

I found a 1946 penny a couple weeks later — in Mom’s purse change she received at the post office.

By Thanksgiving, Mom took me to a local bookstore and picked me up a copy of a coin price guide, complete with mintage figures, so I could learn more about the value of wheat pennies and also about buying and selling old coins.

I absorbed all I could about coins from that first book and the many other coin books and magazines I would in short order add to my personal library.

My coin collection, also, continued to grow.

Over the years, I have bought, sold, and traded many coins…

…But I still have and always will keep that fateful 1941 penny that unlocked the door to a hobby I will surely enjoy for a lifetime.

Here’s my story about the joys of being a penny collector.

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199 thoughts on “My First Coin: The Gateway Into A Fun Hobby”

  2. Josh, Hello again sorry it has taken a week to write back. I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t understand what you are asking of me? You told me to send a picture of my coin to the forum, but what forum? Did you not receive the pictures I sent to you or were you able to receive them? Let me know! Thank you so much for answering me back! 

    Reply

    • Hi, Brannon –

      Great to hear back from you! Yes, we have your photos now (in the future, anytime we mention the fourm, we’re just talking about the comments section here on The Fun Times Guide, like where you posted your question here!). While I have never myself seen this piece before, I researched it and determined its a noted variety/error, and I even found an example selling on eBay for around $7.

      Thanks for your question!

      Reply

  4. Joshua ! someone wrote me and asked if I sell penny 1955, told him how much you offer me and told me not ponle price! then give me a hand josh, as it may be?

    Reply

    • Hello, Alex —

      This 1955 Lincoln cent has some post-mint damage as seen in the scrapes, etc. I see no evidence of mint errors or varieties, etc. It is worth 3 to 5 cents.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  5. Hi joshua ! Thanks for Your time! I want to know if you know about some penny 1972 made in diferent metal , like silver? 🙂 thank you…

    Reply

    • Hi,

      This piece doesn’t appear to exhibit any varieties or errors based on what I see in the images. It is worth face value.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Alex,

      The 1953-D cent has some thickness in the obverse lettering; I did check and can’t confirm that there is any doubled die for that issue with those diagnostics. I also see some light damage on the obverse. It may be worth having checked out by a die variety specialist who can review the coin in-hand if you’re further interested, but I can’t say for certain based on the image (which gets a tad fuzzy on closeup) that this is any kind of variety or even machine doubling.

      The 1959 cent appears to have machine doubling, and this particular 1959 Lincoln cent would be worth only a few cents in that case.

      It appears digits in the 1968 date on that cent has received some light damage.

      Here’s more info about submitting coins for attribution: https://doubleddie.com/402401.html

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  9. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/91eea29393b897564fa6263e32c95f660bc88eb29832e6c9f880e824b6b034b4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/67e6427cea36444548e5217bb27df1f54076d6f147c9feeee9ba6c6bb9485cbe.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ff6ec9929b71344522e7a5b4aff302d09c73711a4e74bf7a7e8f28c00c81a9dc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ffdf3ffb3b2ff7cf4da805300dd52fc791f541637c7214157e4b1d1f4c498900.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dc05b1a004105803510fd60ef20fc609dc3a94a547519648d2b2a02b5680bc6e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ab4f192338982b1ca4861678cd7c64ba0745b3da3327588449fd279b50a00637.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/af768d1867d68cf58a87065d9eca006ebba500d40e9e178f8abb474bbb2f5e19.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/795d8155038401e0104706206193bfb927fe0c1654c05e035a0089d6929bbb23.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Alex —

      Can you please describe what you want me to look for with these — not the 1953, 59, or 68 – I just checked those out 🙂

      From what I can tell everything you submitted looks normal, unless there is something that you see that I don’t at first glance.

      All the pre-1982 Lincoln Memorial cents, by the way, are worth 2 cents each.

      By the way, I recommend you check out this link:

      U.S. Coins Worth More Than Face Value – https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coins/

      It will help you narrow down some of the coins you should be looking for. I hope it helps you find something valuable!

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  12. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/67e6427cea36444548e5217bb27df1f54076d6f147c9feeee9ba6c6bb9485cbe.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/024598a9330eb461e26377393b34fa984de2269b887ae4dc4c4098a1c04499c7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cc47d3ff966270c89750624db4cf24d8140eb404b858fa6b8d8175cf8b35c64b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7c3334299b810850893a632e6588b0e0edd1c3f910c67c96d708acb81aadf275.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cc47d3ff966270c89750624db4cf24d8140eb404b858fa6b8d8175cf8b35c64b.jpg

    Reply

  13. Hi, Alex —

    The 1970 Washington quarter struck on the 1941 Canadian quarter is a unique rarity — there is just one of a kind like it as far as all the experts know. Speculation is that the coin either accidentally wound up in the planchet hopper or was purposefully fed into the press. Your piece does appear to have some minor post-mint abrasions and is thus worth 25 cents.

    I hope this helps clear up any info about the 1970 quarter rarity. The piece that has been all over the news is only one of a kind as far as anybody can tell, and it was purchased. There may be other dates like it out there somewhere, so keep checking your change!

    Best,
    Josh

    Reply

  14. Hi Josh,
    I have some coins that i think are error coins or wishful thinking, I have a 1958 d wheat penny where Lincoln’s neck looks doubled, i have a 1946 wheat penny with something on top of Lincoln’s head and his chin looks doubled too and I have a 1941 nickel with errors, atleast i hope so,
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a0ec11c8f97babed9be65b53153acc983a7292968d018c2abbb0bdfb165d36ef.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c6df8671a47b49a0f7d09981fa6c5895dc9e3d3a7806c55921f0535d4b865357.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/868ce09fa1a9e720cbbfcb563a7fb0e6b95e086a5d53bbd458e630305df245a0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8780befd5b58683bdd5c1349690174314bcf015c3d1499afd32bfeae7312ed7c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/66358bef8b6d4a666764bff4e9c94f208e38717ee26c15c79a84537e6dbfc46c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e79e65a43a83677d9180c47e0059f6ab8b9e83ad4a3574fa81ce9df32b8c68dd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e998eb6e44d9a3edce7148d6b95e4d7db1d58240cde16c7e5492348de1c136f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3157eb85f2e2c0ab15abc30e71be2ed4122c5b3b491a2c075a5ce653553bf62b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0429986e7e72e095c02ae9c0865e5fdfdc64e6a4a6d868bf16f42644089eb6a7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fd7332ac88050607f530518802ad109b57b521215c8113861aa4f8c8840850e2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/958fffc0ed014ad58529967b5fd5c5693a24c4288d36e2a630ceb87d0e5dd494.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Denise —

      I appreciate your inquiries. Some of the photos appear a little grainy for me to provide a confident opinion, but I can see the 1946 Lincoln cent obverse (head’s side) image clearly enough to suggest that piece exhibits late die state doubling. If this is the case, the coin would have a nominal extra value and could sell for anywhere from $1 to $5 to somebody who collects examples of such pieces.

      If you don’t mind resubmitting the other images at a higher resolution, if possible, I’d be glad to assist further.

      Thank you so much,
      Josh

      Reply

  15. I also have a 1979 d penny, I don’t know if it has errors https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/709ae7fd70da693360749317d50b9c4e605a34dc463f6704d7dc40050693af42.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7c0eb23d321464f1468265e52df0f1c9654cd31f77e3232c5cea0080f35d218d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/923774b3030a0385d752bb56575fe0fc49dbde3225ecc63f7129529698a480f8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/579ef1344108ddf08e9a7b32026a8b250521995b25abab3dbda24357ca13b81a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/868ce09fa1a9e720cbbfcb563a7fb0e6b95e086a5d53bbd458e630305df245a0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cce5cf5ada83d39c2a9478bd4af574a9e7c2fd2199e4026da54aca3ea62fbc2f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c0542b9138928d5848059b3dbffaf33a270abd17bece6674c9b055f587e1d7a8.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Alaa —

      This is a really pretty coin. I’m not too sure what extra value the coin may have in light of the blue toning, because market values are really subjective and vary wildly for toned coins. It looks like something I’d be proud to have in my collection.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Alaa —

      In the early 1980s, the U.S. Mint was still individually locating mintmark on the die hubs, and at the time, there was a certain acceptable region on the coin where the mintmark could be placed. In both cases, the mintmark is situated in an acceptable region. While the mintmark locations are slightly different on both of these coins, they’re both considered “normal.”

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Alaa —

      I’m not sure what these would sell for as both this and the 1961 defective planchet cent you posted above aren’t very commonly traded. I suggest reaching out to a die variety/error expert for more insight in this case. I’d suggest asking John Wexler, whose info can be found here: https://doubleddie.com/228401.html

      Good luck, and thanks for your question!
      -Josh

      Reply

  23. Hi Joshua, this is Kim.
    I have a 1983 Lincoln cent, I am not sure if this is hub doubling on the Reverse Building because some of the doubling looks raised? also there seems to be scratches or lines all over the coin on both sides, and plastic looking white covering part of the Letters on the Reverse side. Is there any https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c8bb96acd300c8c838c40e3661b6a7f047e5a9e90443c826fb5a6df5e7fe6b4f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3b7ab027c565afc11e98ea99879f1873791b896267b7047bdd90d5d3c30aed50.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f69d105c9bcbd5f66f45f065f5241cae051f40d48488bdc0a882e4e4abaab50.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/932adcf5c559928f528d752563a4ac2f4a0a0cf827d325f069210972dac84013.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a8a39d24fc894b68d10fea441278d80b02e38441a7300d0f9488ec8e9e913eac.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4eaf632e4631ac2b8f8e1e1e0090b71183e7d26d11346615c2b0424139190b25.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f36eee8949f4a0d1b75a3c2aae74a277646badff6f251aa4b679d3600d5b1be4.jpg thing to this Lincoln Cent that is worth collecting? Thank you once again and always for your time and knowledge. Kim

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      It looks like that residue is some type of epoxy or adhesive that, I think, a short dip in acetone will remove. As for doubling, it looks like minor shift/machine doubling and, unfortunately, does not show diagnostics relating to the popular 1983 doubled die.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thanks Joshua, I kinda thought it was Machine doubling but was not sure so it is worth it to ask. An thank you for clearing up the residue part since I have a few coins with that on them an never was sure about it either. Appreciate your time as always Kim.

        Reply

  24. Hi Joshua, I have a 1976 Lincoln Cent which looks like it has a second Imprint of a different coin on it. And if nothing else, Lincoln has Doubling in his Face. I made a picture up that you can compare it too. Or maybe its a nothing Coin. Thank you so much Kim

    Reply

  25. Sorry Joshua, for some reason it keeps saying i have to sign in, and won’t let me download a picture. for my 1976 D lincoln penny that i had asked you about. I don’t know whats going on with the sign in thing cause i am signed in or else i wouldn’t be able to send this message.

    Reply

    • Hi, Forever Young —

      I found your photo and have replied to that comment there… I hope my insight is helpful!

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  27. Hi Joshua, I have a question. Now I know this coin probably is no good because its so hard to see, but that is my question.
    If there is a die rotation on ANY COIN and you can see there is but the coin is in bad shape or hard to see like the coin is I’m showing you. Is it still considered an Error Coin?? Or is that something a collector would just set aside?
    This coin is a 1834 Large One Cent (as far as I can tell anyway) and it has a die rotation error, also something like silver melted the letters on the Reverse Side. But you can still see the letters through the silver and also in the copper color. I will show you the coin straight on then flipped over and you will be able to see the die rotation. Like I said the coin is worn but noticeable die rotation. Thank you Kim
    If the pictures are to hard for you to see the letters on reverse I can highlight them for.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b0361ebbc43dfe94f9b61c60bd0ed97f8d17d215288a72f7778c398d00cbed39.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/edc050e225a8399e8367cba1f2b7b191afe3bbc0201d5912399801a8883ee180.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      An error is always an error regardless of the coin’s condition. In this case, I’ll have no idea knowing how much die rotation there is because I really can’t examine the rotation relative to any orientation in the photos. I’d have to go by your word. Beware that drastic rotation is often faked or altered. It’s hard to tell in the lighting of this photo what’s going on for sure, but I think that silvery color is from something that was added onto the coin post-mint.

      Those are my two cents anyway… Neat old coin!
      -Josh

      Reply

  28. So to get post mint damage that has what looks like a date of 1999, is it because it gets pressed against another coin I should have taken a better picture because when you look at it another way you can clearly see that it Looks like 1999 and the other side of the coin has no marks I thought maybe it was a wrong planchet. Bummer Thank you for your help.

    Reply

    • No worries! Just keep looking! I promise, there really ARE valuable errors out there in circulation.

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  29. Hi Joshua, I have a question if I may, on Double Die’s .. do they have to be exact as the coin they show on Variety Coins Page? I found a 1969 s Lincoln that has Almost all the same letters that look Doubled as Variety Page shows.. There are a few letters that do not. ill Post what i have Thank you https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9820b6665e8a59ac5d6239f7414d2e853330952d0de294f84d52167e13a372ed.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d7609df5255ff6a09bd5b0cefff318dd0cabeed7772b0f523422c82e3cb4a0c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4acfb4e5b99a070976e9c9cefc997a9f756ceb0dc204623b618b4428acf7af1e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bf5489c7d9b298086953ac142d673a7ab0f7cd9d05d46e9f7bd162795ddcf490.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c93293b10c1d32f5f7a82ef8e652d383349adfbd5fab996c91b286142443d354.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a6702f1d0b17e717c9c221cd95657fa82875cc40ce0a5d770f54bc7c76994d5a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c9b2be1676b09a66b6ca1835135bdca99d038aa2a994fd43dd3a7680d79e1f4d.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      For a said coin to be THAT variety, yes, it has to be exactly the same. Bear in mind, there are several issues that have many kinds of doubled dies, but they’re generally considered minor varieties that are more common and not worth nearly the same as the primary doubled die for that year. In this case this is not the 1969-S obverse doubled die, but there appears to be some doubling in the reverse lettering, such as in “STATES OF.” If this matches none of the attributed doubled dies for 1969-S, it might be worth sending away to have attributed as a possible new error.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  30. Hi Joshua Thank you so much for your help on the last coin, I always take your advice.
    But I do believe I have finally found a forsure one. yeahhh. But if it is indeed the D/D 1960 lincoln cent …. I couldn’t have found a more confusing one. lol So bare with me on the coin. I will post some pics and really need your advice on this one.

    Well I’m pretty sure its a RPM?

    What I’m NOT sure about if its a Sm. Date over a Lg Date?

    I’m NOT sure if the head has some sort of Doubling in the front as well as the backside and even then I don’t know if that could even be possible(meaning can there be such thing as doubling going outwards on both the front and back)? I’m thinking your gonna tell me its PMD…

    I DO Think maybe the letters are Doubled or some of them? BUT cannot find the die markers that shows for any of the 1960 D Coins on Mr. Wexler’s website, but some of the Doubling on the letters seam to be the same as his but yet not consistent for any one stage ???

    THEN there seems to be no VDB that I can tell anywhere. But again maybe it is worn down.??
    Reverse Same Coin
    The President Looks like he may have some Doubling going on and a few other things. I make some super close ups. Sorry if some are a little blurry its hard to use my finger to hold and take picture at same time. I did put arrows at things I was looking at but not sure about anyone of them because I couldn’t find any of the Die Markers to prove I have something. So this puts me over the barrel and wondering again. I really do read about these things but I am a hands on learner so this coin will be a great start for me.
    PS do you take donations for all your Help? if you don’t YOU Should.. Thank you always Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ddea3e354e0ce9523b5061d5627641819d0b86a3c2d75e93841324fcf31c7ebe.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/14722916a6ad217af8b203a30f9f37b13dda1932bfac4b67a7c33f3387e6e114.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a04b5fa5a4455050fb873678b0b1c4c87a593c93044be995ffc973b7b4c8e924.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5d753b3d064e19d7d6ec4036be5aae6ed6518cd1fa9b19cf9fe81fd0c89779a1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f64279f8d7a84ebf011ceb3b7990d957a1371567ffb808b34868e714c3254b56.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ddd2eb071ca4d88a312be8efe4584f5c7b5f415d700ebe4d3b788f2d60559068.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e60bd321407dbf4de07fe31431f2f04ef0cf17fed1e3d6a940869047e88d14dc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f27ebfd934b9e4b9624f1d220ba45ef0d2384048c84bf4d51d2cb5545e30287.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/668f0ed3a81705a4f45352da456c7df7bfe5ddb527de167948a0f5523d498fc7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2cf578871cb482289852d89b705e39eb37d3fe57d092ad124d429cf68d9ea054.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e60adcda1cd42e3be8e3ccbdbde783e8372379c51b5bf603b00e5deb3cbf7c10.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/54aedc6d28da19e0f56327bad7524343ca3c1230eaa05c1ebc4da5c6057b11e0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/760557c738eacab2d967343e097c7fca9c5d2c9949cd8707dde93945ffb41204.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b1b4732ca7207c5da3cebad83143f24e0bf24b977e34125d4b3429482c70f415.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ef45ebf61b20262359578917dbbd7b1e2bb97385b87a1990ed08c55d2ec386a1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/63833856be65d26e747dd848dfb409816ea1b7221b940911bc43b7fc8f6e0241.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3b4b41a34f82785876166a97ea9d69eb2715b88ea466d3118978ef8f22d24aad.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/29babea48d0cd5d7e8add38211ddd33316b3676f5a07e5529cfba3c7e91b56d2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c5c0e447e04224a77404731709353cba6f22e6f2fd907cf437952a262f4085d1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b91968957520b68433505f601763331cbb3f6f96e283814c2c05b4fe200f746a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/47353f3508589e2d73d6c956fb65175010074357119858afc8c92f975dae06a2.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      For starters, this is a 1960 large date as the numerals are wider and the top of the “9” is above the top of the “1” in the date. There’s a lot going on with this coin. Including a lot of doubling. I believe this is machine doubling but, as you point out, some of it is pretty distinct. I also see a lot of PMD, Including the big rim voice on the reverse, the hits to the rim, and then obliteration of VDB. I think the best thing this coin has going for it though is in the mintmark. The “D” does appear reset in the image, and not merely doubled as in machine doubling. You might consider sending this to John Wexler to see if he can attribute it or Lincoln variety expert Chuck Daughtrey. Wexler can be found at doubleddie.com and Daughtrey at coppercoins.com.

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  31. So do you think its even worth sending in to someone if all that is going on is the D? If you think its worth sending in i will. Would you send it in if you found it?

    Because from what I understand you were explaining to me is that everything else is really no good on the coin that i thought might be errors. I did know it was a large date already but I thought it had a small date punched on top of it but since you didn’t say so I’m guessing I thought wrong. Thank you so much, I really do mean that. Kim

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      From what I see in these photos anyway, most of the doubling appears to be mechanical doubling. The “D” mintmark looks like it may be repunched, but as the coin contains mechanical doubling, so too would the mintmark. Therefore I think a variety specialist needs to look at this piece to make this determination in-hand if possible. I think John Wexler charges only a few dollars (I think $4 last time I checked?) to inspect varieties, and Chuck I believes charges a similar amount.

      I hope this info is helpful to you!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      It’s possibly repunched, or its a die chip inside the mintmark. Either way, this looks like a keeper!

      Nice find,
      Josh

      Reply

  33. Hi Joshua, Well I came across a 1970 S Lincoln cent. I’m kinda hoping that this isn’t an error coin for the fact is this coin is in horrible shape, its all rusty. But is this a double ear? I think its a large date 1970 but that’s a hard. Thank you Joshua https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9336d13fe9b9042e802fc4bd90501de14ccdccc407037255d3295eea31437bf7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/63557bf42b46b3309f214bd01ddc46282492addea9757f4c6b8388ecbfdecc93.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      Good eye, it is a 1970-S large date. I don’t see any signs thst this is a doubled die based on what I can find in this photo here. Your coin is worth about two cents for its copper metal value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  34. Thank you for confirming that for me. The coin is in terrible shape I don’t even think you could get 2 cents for it. lol The ear i was thinking was maybe doubled a little because of the way the earlobe came down on it. Is there an easier way to distinguish between what a double die and post mint damage? how can you (meaning me) know for sure when something like that is a double or not a double? Thanks Joshua
    Ps I had showed you a 1978 D coin that looked like it had a letter S inside the D, I just found another one that looks just like that one. Is that something I should send In you think? to find out for sure?

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      It really just takes practice looking st different errors to be better distinguish them. That can take months or years, but definitely research the different errors online at sites like TheFunTimesGuide and in coin books so you can learn about them. There’s a lot of information and education about these pieces to be found and you’ll gain the knowledge you need! Here’s more info on doubles dies: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/doubled-die-coins/

      As for the mintmarks within a mintmark, they could be repunched mintmarks, which can definitely present themselves as you’re observing. Please post clear photos of a few of yours and I’ll see what you have there and help.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  35. Hi Joshua, its me Kim, if you have an extra minute can you tell me please if this some kind of Doubling or PMD. All the extra metal seems to be raised so i am lost with this coin. Its a 1992 D Lincoln cent. Thank you so much https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e7e76baa7efdd0c488866134a90e8f0e0ae12724a8138dc5d8edade4ada584d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a9db9f86d80e4add417ffb15e06ef1d376c691590bb61b3836495f31fca23a1a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e836f46bc0e98624f7b215464e22bc2bf4736aeb76a6a3735422387b2d759faa.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/79825138af34f4d1099e88413e665e7fa06a719d0bf6f44099e4ec2efbf0e660.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8d8102246004ef7398f982f9cbe30b4a512ef543929af2bc7903f7ab2e738060.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7efe9881df3f13d4ffb2504a8e32bc0ac45d1164cd9de8692a414cbbc1b3373b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/547c9aad804ed785ad96a619525717dbf7f3270ca411a2475ad0b1495cb630a4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/806e0383390fbf692f44580d5ed0ce7a60bd2cb43c16cb38dbefe2a6b2f379b4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/42b9090133e2de4cf74a3b40482bd951505200c8604ac5daec784e30ebfc073c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c95172793d814df6f3ed7e6951ad5cbe55f67d022e6bc91fbe73d5547203d80e.jpg

    Reply

    • Hmmm… This one looks like a possible keeper. It strikes me as machine doubling, but some of this doubling is extra distinct. I think it’s worth getting a second opinion on this from John Wexler (doubleddie.com).

      Fingers crossed!
      Josh

      Reply

  36. Hi Joshua, I came across a 1966 lincoln cent that has a strange marking on it and I’m not sure what it could even be, but here’s the thing.. its doubled or hub doubled. The mark is on lincoln’s neck, I would like your opinion as to what this could be or what caused it. Since it has the doubling look it must have happened at the Mint right??? Thanks Joshua I was just looking at a Canadian coin and what I think might be on my 1966 coin is part of the pearl necklace marks. If you look at the necklace on a canadian coin and cut them in half that’s the shape thats on my coin. Just a guess.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/06ef2233c03976c15b63ab9410d91677730e5fcea5ae7a6c40575252ed67899e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0ceae8f300338732cc75d7c16d7244f19702e35615fe52e7ebcc2779bc31a229.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d34d715c44b5ded4455799cfbe6cdb9b411df3502b2d897654fc45055f28fe8f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/df6e4983e4d6121a0fa4661aae598dc30e1d1f590a982f10b6c1f82cf1ea0866.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3954b24dd96ee5d77d538f43f49deafa54d6f274dd982c957a3e8f9f83df785e.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      I’ll need some more context on this please. I know it’s on Lincoln’s neck, but may I see a clear photo of the entire coin along with these great closeups?

      Thank you!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      This photo is a tad blurry, so I can’t really see the little ruffle you showed me in the earlier photos. The little ruffle could be a minor die break or it might be damage, but I’ll need a clear photo to be sure. It’s a neat-looking little die issue though. Probably not worth much more than face value given its size, but it’s still a keeper!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  38. Hi Joshua, well I came across a State Quarter today I sure could use your help on. Hoping you can give me some good news about it. its a 2016 D Kentucky “First Doorway to the West” What looks like DDR but I”m not sure if its a real DDR or a Mechanical DD. I tried to get the whole coin in a pic. but it comes out blurry so I just got the letters. All the letters on the reverse side are doubled and some https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b5cd1e4ec119c502e099bd90e7abfc49ac8e376e72628d81bf517c539f9a525c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bef09faeee6b7cb1ef0500a9a91f47267facfb9990dbb7b15ddbcf62662b35a7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48e17050f5d96e007280c5ab104195358ebcbe6c41436b6b44f8123294a59418.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b5e7821ec2c14256728662f509e9b76c239886be8954899dcff9d9906deca3e5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e31c0489f404db2b865faaa541c2e358c3670d82322144dd5313ffd1b35dfe7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/903db535fab2508b14c932a000cc1553d3c92916e3bb9aaf22c5fd0713eb7bfc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/21a4e86e2f6a1b4408dd1a40683b4c88b01044cf8e2497f011f29d35582141c0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e4d035645366f9e9fcb17e679f506723eee56a5f48663509ee69f4dd22e733d0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8bfe69e0f29de456fefc7235828dac9b1eed0aa0d8f99dcc247672e58dc8433d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/710be501117c73d3442034e77c35bda3b5cd795e83b21b4d847f3393a54b2345.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e2b299d0efa1f3ce2e8e449278904e2fb59cfe682344b1f37393edb8a02665a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b1d37336ee6915457afb7a5df210110e4bceaa8fc582f7684bb10b47f3d270a5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bef09faeee6b7cb1ef0500a9a91f47267facfb9990dbb7b15ddbcf62662b35a7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f8c4b05bddf38d06d4e61386a39a8bb3582f8a6684681fc378c2ea21f3ae3b53.jpg of the letters look like three to 4 times doubled, I can try a different camera if you need t see the whole thing. Thank you always. Kim

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      OOOOHHH…. I like this. It looks like an actual doubled die to me. Note the full double impression in the lettering and the split serif in the “C” of “CUMBERLAND.” I think this is worth sending in for hopeful attribution. Fingers crossed!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  39. Hi Joshua,
    I’m hoping to get your opinion on a 1999 P Connecticut Quarter I have. The Quarter is all Black in Color, But I noticed under his Nose there is a letter P. In the Letter P under his nose there is a small Notch in the Letter the Same as the Mint Mark Letter P, also there is Thinning in the Letter P same as the Mint Mark letter P.
    Then looking at the Mint Mark I also noticed what looks like a letter S just across from the P and again under the Nose Letter P is also a letter S.
    I marked the Pictures with Arrows pointing at each, as far as the black part goes that Im not sure about either, guessing maybe it got baked to long?
    Does this Coin look like it is a possible error or something??
    I know you usually do Pennies so I appreciate any help you can give me.

    Thank you as always for your Kind Help. Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ace437e3985d45de617f3c5fb1118557a73d9de10ca0571399e2515a437605c2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9d3e345d10689255fbed1aef7de20c1d622427f36e645595c386e3ecb913d762.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/69eca9af1dbf2570e2b7811a3a4179e972205a79dbe6b78165eb27bb33bb6387.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b3015a125d12f2a9226c39368d96066964bba7b046f30fd6591e6e443cb0c9da.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d15f52859d1e20b7556b3abdfd88acde7e949166404b28082b09e374f4f9387b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/230e38afd60daa5f90c5c90fc630c80cd1d8f473da94b489df5283b071618673.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      The quarter is black either due to environmental damage or an intentional process in which the coin is “antiqued” with a type of black lacquer. As for the “P” under his nose that’s a blob of metal is likely a die chip of some sort — that’s not a misplaced mintmark. It’s probably not something that would be worth much, if anything over face, especially due to the coin’s poor overall condition. But it might be worth holding aside in case you ever wanted to sell it and could find a collector who’s interested in buying unusual pieces like this.

      Thanks for reaching out!
      Josh

      Reply

  40. Hi Joshua, Thank You for answering my last question, my computer was messed up an couldn’t Thank https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4e50660f580aa83c1bfb5dc8b984eddc31ad4ba6ac8a1a4d605dddbc2be11308.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c874e8a72cd69881b3c587be6f478245667fdec76d3015f6aa7a6593cf705353.jpg You at the time.
    I have another if you would please.

    I came across a 1980 D Lincoln Cent an on the Reverse in UNITED There is a Letter S I believe over the Letter D. The Coin is a deep dark red so the pics are a little dark but you can still clearly see the letter S. Is this an Error in your opinion? Then in LIBERTY the letter T looks like a letter F, that one is kinda a iffy but ill post a picture. Thank you as always for your help. Kim
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    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      The word UNITED looks a little weak to me, but in these photos I’m afraid I don’t see any indication of the “S” over the “D.” What I do believe I see is possible mild corrosion on the surface of this coin, which is evidenced by what looks like pitting across the surface. At the very least this piece is worth about 2 cents for its copper value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  41. HI Joshua, Im sorry I shouldn’t have said S over D. What I was saying was It looks like the D in UNITED was replaced with the Letter S. Because if you look at it it clearly looks to be a letter S, well it does to me anyway.. I think you thought I was talking about the mint mark? Is it possible that it could even be a wrong letter?? Or would something like that never happen? I know they are stamped into the coin so it really would seem highly unlikely that it could happen but when you see the letter its hard not to think that it isn’t a different letter. If this makes sense to you. If you tell me that it is impossible then I will always know and won’t look for such mistakes like this no more. If you were to pull the letter S down where there is a small gap it would be the same letter S that is in STATES right next to it. Thanks Joshua

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Yes, the “D” in the word “UNITED” looks like a “D” to me. A little misshapen perhaps due to surface corrosion, but it’s unfortunately not a misstamp. When it comes to matters like this, it’s not to say that anything is impossible — and I always recommend looking for anything unusual — but on modern coins letters being switched out is just not something that was done. The designs were carefully crafted using precise mechanical and, later digital, devices and then reproduced from the hub onto hundreds or thousands of dies. So letters on inscriptions and such weren’t randomly swapped around on one or two coins. If there’s ever the appearance of a typo, it’s either due to a rare mint error in the striking process misshaping the letter or, as in the case of this coin here, post-mint damage altering the appearance of the letter.

      HOWEVER, such errors DID happen with older US coins, and in fact there are several involving the inscription “LIBERTY” appearing as “LIKERTY” on some of the early Draped Bust coinage. Why? Because the dies were in most cases individually hand engraved, and typos as well as other mistakes happened. Pretty neat stuff!

      I say keep on looking for anything unusual. But that when it comes to what looks like letters getting swapped out and such on modern coin, in most cases it’s due to something happening to the coin that makes the letter appear misshapen… Then it comes down to figuring out WHAT type of damage or strike error would have made that happen.

      Keep on searching!
      Josh

      Reply

  42. Thank you so much for that information. It all makes sense to me but as you were saying how some coins did have that mistake, that’s were I was getting things confused. Why some did and why some didn’t and couldn’t have been made that way. That Post Mint Damage sure can be decieving sometimes. Thanks again

    Reply

    • Hi Kim,

      Post mint damage can be very deceiving, but as you train your eye more and more, especially over many years, it’s something you’ll be able to pick out much more easily. There are a lot of great books and websites on the topic, which I can recommend if you’d like.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  43. Yes, that would be great to have more info on them. If you also have some info on Clad Coins and how to tell them apart from environmental damage, and how to tell if a coin is printed on a foreign metal?? There are some coins that people find that are on a foreign planchet which are the same color, same size, no extra printing on them, just that the metal content is a little different. I just seen one where it was big news but forget which site I seen it at, I think it was on couch collectables on youtube but not sure.
    I find info on a lot of that stuff but i’m a hands on kinda persons, if I have one to hold and look at then Im on my way with that kind. You have taught me a lot through the last couple of years just by identifying what I had so I new what I had and am learning from that, I thank you for that. Kim

    Reply

  44. Hi Joshua, I actually have a few coins I would like your opinion on if you would please. This is a 1983 D Roosevelt Dime.
    What I first noticed was the 3 was into the rim or collar of the coin and I have not seen another one like that in that year of coin. Then as I got a closer look at the coin the number 3 looks a little strange like maybe it was suppose to be a number 2 ??
    While Looking at it, it looks like there is a notch at the top of the 3 just after the first loop almost like it was pushed back. ( I put arrows showing the notch cut out) Or it almost looks like it could be leafs?? The Coin itself to me seems a little thinner, it is all copper all the way around the Rim with only spots of silver showing on the edge although the obverse and reverse are all Clad, and the coin weighs in at 2.3 So what do you think about this coin?? Thanks Joshua PS I am also posting another dime that has Reading lines on the face of the coin.. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/75cc041076b1a09587c0079ed598cdc83998e76bcae74c78bad696ac803016dd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/af48aed0da74cfefb28e33fcec6cdfc224b4780295f8353648790b50ce37826f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/682082c07e905aa2095e8515d0b303df18e4876ed27771b8be118cfeddac3186.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/03a9a223287ffe575528fde17e0bb05bb14d017585944704d12c45eefd7e22c7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6509a82f3ca5c6a72c054db792327e6b55c2367e148b4e7eb2f5ac457beae627.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      As for the color of the rim and the location of the date, I’ve seen others like this. It’s a wholly normal 1983 dime, of worn a bit. The weight, 2.3 grams, is within normal tolerances. The date appears to be worn into the rim, but the entirety of the “3” font is also normal. Overall the coin seems to exhibit some heavy edge wear, which tends to expose more of the coin’s copper core. I’m trying to visualize what you’re pointing out with the arrows but would need to please see this section of the coin in the context of the whole face to see what other clues might be nearby.

      Thanks!
      Josh

      Reply

  45. Hi Joshua, Her is my second question on a 1985 P Roosevelt Dime, Notice the Reading edge marks on the Obverse face of the coin, Would this be considered a off center Coin or is this something entirely different? If it is an error would it be considered a Rare error since I cannot find another one like it on line anywhere. LOL Also this dime weighs 2.3 and it to is almost completely copper color on the reading edge all the way around it . Thank you for your help as always Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/51be6cab0f75aac9a96c530339b5cd963a8b567dbe0c2c9fcce8761581fbc314.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/88eb140a6b2aa04dc8578b9b93fa4b1c0af30ac9f384b33308d1af2a7f90ea02.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/003312f6d24a4bd3d7a3663be8de2f2a949fb0eaf285dbee45d4513a0409b765.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/05966d67d3fde3da69275c7d70370315af840655a72e7ae1549533ce7ad311f0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/003687e7b8835228defbaa6382e09d11e4f1b97e1643f03514ec4106b3db404a.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Looks like a minor die alignment issue… These are relatively common (even if you can’t find much about them online ha ha) but are neat. Some error collectors will pay an extra buck or two for them. The weight checks out, so the coin’s metallic composition is normal; sometimes the copper core dominates the coloration of the edge, which happens frequently with clad coins.

      Cool find!
      Josh

      Reply

  46. Hi Joshua, I came across a 1990 D Lincoln Cent that I think may be a DDR but this is where I need your https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7d915229cd45af6c4b11083605536b46984ed2cae76551eba50189b2881471f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/526a3378c0781aad9afdc69ec0bde1876f29dcae619d08707ff4abb4dfdcb51c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7d915229cd45af6c4b11083605536b46984ed2cae76551eba50189b2881471f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0fcb81ae8c95df455196451e107bfbfc7faaaed9e5a49f956527dd8132dc8fcd.jpg Expertise Please, because I am not sure if this is what I have. Thank you for your Time as always
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  47. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d144a2a2584f3ffe341c91b8a27d73dd02762176b655bad7c738254d6c25eed2.jpg Hi Joshua, I came across a 1990 D Lincoln DDR I think?? Would you have time to take a look an let me know what I have for sure if this is a DD or if its PMD maybe? In one of the pics i post please note the C and A in America and the extra colum on the Memorial Building. Thank you so much Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/06e1381312f08a64e8b18fcbea6ee56c256f67f2448b5b6b44a4eccd60f1dae2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b2bcd08ef150af688d720f77af47809591e6ccc982e9a8c3a6ab6130336900e5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d144a2a2584f3ffe341c91b8a27d73dd02762176b655bad7c738254d6c25eed2.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7d915229cd45af6c4b11083605536b46984ed2cae76551eba50189b2881471f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5a69d986d3239640216c0515b5e291e5351e833475b99671acfb7f8d07cdb8b5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c6a7866a3738e6e6a0842c032e1219964d719b11965f888ac589e997bea4ad05.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c58907a8e8e82336dfe22408186a026ccefb94074b82e35de237173f9d7204df.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      While the doubling appears to be some light machine doubling, I definitely do see an “S” there. Something worth getting attributed perhaps! I am not sure how scarce this particular variety would be, but I’ve seen similar pieces not listed in the major catalogs trade for $20 and more.

      Very nice find!
      Josh

      Reply

  49. Hi Joshua, would you give me your opinion on this 2000 D OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN State Quarter. Is this Doubling on the Reverse Side? Highlight The F in OF , The Stars and the rest of the letters https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a129729e0123cc8025d4eb3197b25f68515ce16c813dc24066552b2234f03e8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f7d567cc7bd0ec2966ad769062d5c3b69349e0ccf88a4b713050f132348f3fe.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a5ab715f1f18fd2af930c5c9651955884b97b2f0229b491a0846afeb3917a1e5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fda1089bfbd9745d9f632fdee95ca3904e014ba6140291f6e7d0c80cec2c9584.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d68b0b6ad20735aead5392dd20f60afcc87099a7d36342f445794afee1882848.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e2b052ab716d7274ea92eda45c274f524ab64475d8f5b32a179a22cfd8919cf7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e0e306870c4366a949cfc0c324dca6e185a6d10b9fdee02d838c3b50b8c0d9c1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/26e2f41f0c3a134fbd117e37f976ca53ef1305dd86086c23ec16407f8d7c2878.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ed104ad43e99ec671b53625ff7a2da4e1db893ce6bbe00121935498cda639fdf.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d73d41c6077b3de93ea5fcd87904bdeb8c9331e322bc6e25dc99e3df91598024.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c1c3c6b05a800a9c6ac1cf2e26cd555245c2b70101d552e15d7457a29b56d25e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/83e56d709f94d204f54c89b1bfb0cd569c71bf954ca106323ec2e0d8bd513847.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Totosue —

      Based on what I see here this coin has machine doubling, though you could always get a second opinion from the experts at VarietyVista.com.

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply

  50. Hi Joshua
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/21a0ed1362ceef757111def5bba618238326edd38ca7ce1df60ebae8bea2eea7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e6c2e1c0ccf8ee1c77a82bca952b3827366268d95636f1527d99785afef9f29f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/93a7913251b6c0ace7851f684aa1c7c141f094d26f1c0306f1b3452bd3b40e2b.jpg Thank you for answering ALL my Question’s I come to you with, you have No idea how much i do Appreciate your Help.
    With that being said I’m hoping you can help me with a couple of different questions again or your Opinion.
    I have a 1988 D Lincoln Cent that looks to me, like he https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/045a444214a605d7ec0d64ba2650ccacf1fa4aaaad6559bd38daf024eac06f3d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0cd6404f7f8c9a9601f095f5fd762a3ed7538e90b85051f99525584b2954ac99.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7fe39cba3bce79b22e55c520d8e74d909fa675d2cdd9d4bcd20eb8cb7baf2491.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fa8a09731ad84dd40ca4698193ce156481b93a7d48a07eed270db9b579c86af4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c98f7b9725bc3626af3ddf85a46d034c11e963937bacbc6bd05113ea298ed4ee.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/47c1fde612400d98fe7eb7a705e5cc6ddfdfce5daf7503a5364f7582c44f092e.jpg has another Mint Mark letter D just in front of his face. Along with some I believe damage to the coin.?? Also another Letter V under the W in WE.

    Then my second coin 2) is a 1958 D Lincoln Cent,
    On the Reverse side, Looking at the Wheat Stock on the Left Side, very top it looks like one of the Leaves are Doubled.
    I know for sure that the 1 single leaf is Thicker and Higher then the rest of the Leaves and sticks out like a sore thumb. Could this be just because it never got worn down like the Rest?? What do you think?
    If you look close it almost looks like another leaf under it but I’m not sure about that either. It just seems weird that all the leaves on both sides would get worn down except for 1 single leaf not to say its impossible.
    Thank you as always Kim

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      It’s good to hear from you and thank you for reaching out. The little extra blob of metal on the wheat ear on the 1958-D penny looks like it was dislodged somehow through damage; I can tell because this piece of the coin appears lighter in color than the surrounding area in at least two photos, suggesting it has not been exposed to the elements as long as the rest of the coin. This chunk of metal could’ve been shifted upward due to a hit to this part of the coin.

      The 1988-D Lincoln cent has some heavy porosity, causing bubbling on the surface near Lincoln’s face. Unfortunately these post-1981 copper-plated zinc cents are notorious for this type of post-mint damage; they often corrode from the inside out due to the metallic composition and how they erode when exposed to heat, moisture, etc.

      All my best,
      Josh

      Reply

  51. Hi Joshua,
    First of all Thank you for your answers on my last questions. I have something a little different this time, I think I have a 1985 D Lincoln Die clash and possibly a 1969 D Jefferson Nickel Die Clash.
    I decided to start going through some of my change again that I had first started out with sometime back and found these 2 right off the bat yesterday.
    So if you would Please give your opinion if you have time. Thank you as always Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8f3235451cbb352798d50c5bdbb4370ac61a2da2da9e5afb6f67c286b622965d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4bbc013386c1651390f0be98d8b830dd0ef437b185a25383abf081e3cc0655bc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ca7866909172c770c81d05f55de6022dcce0ba637a9e82a85eea661d4200fe10.jpg https:// https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2bfd0c852a1768bc3d72b36a2425990cdcfeacecd14cdf5003e03da4b54486bb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6cd50f7c571beef0a3cc3b7e5cb70ea2d8a2c731bf6e65e80f0ae90340d26907.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/62d43b5bb75909928aff4eb700da6dd6202f7146f68212a2caf05842dc47cdcd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5830e518dc6dd30fa3ac3bee9b0a8b6e270085fcba3225e2d3f64af11c660406.jpg uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a61ec8206f3a42915cddcf29b5ed7d7a276d9a548fd3ba75816743081282ee6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aed23df231be1ba4c2531420e9a75023b09d05538b25e0605b3fc8d87d831660.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/652a4daba40bbe7b2c495d8c2f25bc76699af909af7a3516c412eb5304b47adb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/63af06366d5ff42022c69530842b636e21b0700c353073841f88fafe5ce5a9d9.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/05290aafbc727326b393066991d9e280ab9745855463d1c53fd5e46071038ab4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6f8bc59ef572bff3546c0f026db83dd7fd49fa5ffc215c5a5c7db1a996237e81.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Unfortunately all of these coin pictured show various types of post-mint damage and have no extra value. I would imagine it might be frustrating when the oddities you find in circulation come back as not being of any extra value. As it is, the vast majority of “odd” coins anybody will find in circulation are merely damaged. However, I encourage you to read this article on the various types of error and variety coins you really can find in circulation: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/error_coins-2/ . It will help narrow your focus on the types of odd coins that are truly errors and worth more than face value.

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

      • https://media0.giphy.com/media/ZEgBHVeRlmTqjCPlqx/giphy.gif

        Oh what a bummer for me.
        Thank you for your help as always. Your the Best!

        I did go check out the info you told me too. Well the way I look at it I guess, by finding the coin and then reading info about it, I learned about die clashes.
        Not to say I’m a pro at it now or nothing cause I’m far from that (I am a hands on learner, so without the coin I found I probable wouldn’t have still known what they actually were, as I needed to compare it to a real Die Clash)

        So you see you still helped me Learn and understand about Die Clashes.

        Thank you Josh for all your help! even if it is bad news for me.
        Kim

        Reply

        • Hi, Kim!

          You’re most welcome! Yes, I’m sorry for the bad news on the coins you’ve found so far but now you know what to look for — things that can be worth some serious money!

          Best of luck,
          Josh

          Reply

          • Hey bbn Josh sorry but and new here I try to m.j take a question to you about 1940 nickel

          • Hi, Xavier —

            What’s your question? I’d be glad to answer it here in the comments forum!

            Thanks,
            Josh

          • Hi, Xavier —

            You can upload them here in jpg or png formats of 2 mb or less… Be sure you click the little rectangular photo upload bottom near the comment box!

            Thanks,
            Josh

  52. Morning Joshua,
    I have a question about the date on a 1988 Lincoln Cent I found. It’s probably nothing but I no there are Large Dates and Small Dates on coins and on this particular Lincoln Penny I have I had noticed that on the(First Number 8) the Top Inside Loop is Bigger than the (2nd Inside 8 loop) .
    I measured it and it for sure is bigger and the other 1988 Lincoln cents I have all are smaller then this one penny.
    So I went looking for other coins with 1988 and I came across a Dime that have the same Kind of 8’s as this Penny I have, the top inside part of the 8 is bigger then the second 8. I hope I’m making sense to you. LOL Anyway here is the 1988 Lincoln in Question and the only one I can find of its Kind in all my 1988 Lincoln cents I have compared it to. I just found it interesting and am probably sure its nothing but I still needed to find out.
    Thank you Josh https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/91c3a2ca4fb8ad8d59d8bb67326fc021d1976cc006fc860ff29b939b2eb096b9.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4b931510b38802f88195a764b63f8a8c319137adc0e2ab1985326e6a63785bab.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/91aabaff60d4bfdd064ae11063c450eea13bbcb405de3bcb35ea3e44bdccb6aa.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b799c9f640e5bb2936ecf14b138164852127c44b9b117967021963aa33295f21.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      In the comparison photos, the 1988 cent demarcated as “regular 8s” is showing some surface scuffing and that’s affecting the appearance of the loops of the “8”s. I myself am not in a position to formally attribute new varieties. However, it may be something you could run by the variety experts at CONECA (www.varietyvista.com); perhaps they could confirm if there is anything warranting the attribution of a new variety.

      Fingers crossed,
      Josh

      Reply

  53. Hi Joshua,
    i know you probably only do coin errors, I have a question about a $20 dollar bill I came across and since I don’t usually look for errors on Notes I don’t know who to ask so I’m taking a stab in the dark hoping maybe you can tell me what you think about this.
    I found a $20 dollar bill that has Numbers under the Presidents nose, the numbers are too small to be Serial Numbers, too big to be date numbers. So I thought there can be no way this can be a mistake or at least I don’t think so. But as i got looking closer at it it looks as though the black Printing ink that should be on the note, is actually over the top of the extra numbers on it that shouldn’t be there. So that makes me think the numbers where on the note first before the bill got printed. Here are some pics. If you have an opinion I would love to know what you think. PS the little tiny black circular dot is nothing, its a glitch in my usb camera..
    Thanks Josh https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9049051bcde8e857ca7273258cce85d0dac62d74db0654566802aae0d0fff875.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c3a25daeae5e63f7677fd29e2984651377570b02957efd990710c8cf6f37a16b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/91164e16f83eb0d040f9b984ee64c21d482d08091c67ad4d45f9320c1b5593dc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b655df85912f2e51bfdc937cccf3919a9bc1f65bd28aea23f852fc1cad563d65.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/77db9e0bfff8da3f383e5c47a83b7cd2c3334e10fef622122903b663b145e426.jpg

    Reply

  54. Morning Joshua, I have a 1970 S Lincoln Cent that I believe is either a weak strike or filled die or maybe its just damage. If you don’t mind taking a look at it and give your opinion I could sure use your expertise once again Please and Thank you. I tried to take lots of pics, also the coin is a bit thinner to one side than the other but not a lot. PS If this is a mistake coin is it something I should send in? or not that big of a deal?https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4479106e1515ae58870062b87a61a9978546236e6b782005a8dd4abaf7e44211.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e0e20904115ffd4ebaa6dc7a528419cd22f4f52fd710022cd5f0cd7f207c9f0e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a481daae2d94445c92e4f6dbbf2943a7169483f70923ae378a442ebe80338e1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/872caac0118bc5d82e86f73d1f6c41db7e29014fa0ea5808898a3b68b5f7e1ee.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/491365d130731780974b9bcb9c998582305689952a17ab07c71ff033f721c907.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/934f92bafdbb3f07aa342640ef5583e2713d643b8c130defabe3461ee17a18cf.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d4434e2e9c1374edc8452590f57a12ce2f87222815088ab8d3a8ec2089410b04.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e49b180dad0a56b39414681e76765b1b27538ecdca308de01d244beaf51729f0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b7ea88f39e19fcae748c13e180ab32277b920548adb06e7deb172ac94208bc69.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/94472c83386b13f2e224413009a0093a45db52f9f59590a62c08b14ae1a54243.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/153c7429256099d031699b039f7a3cc4d1e9c166b60cce4bdf91e5b067fa65bd.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello!

      Hmm… I’m not a variety/error attributor but certain diagnostics, particularly the missing or nearly absent letters do point to a grease-filled die. Before spending $30+ on grading services see if you can get a second opinion by CONECA (www.varietyvista.com).

      Cool find!
      Josh

      Reply

  55. HI Joshua,
    If you don’t mind I have a few Questions about 1989 D Lincoln Cent (Possible DDO ?)

    Biggest Question, Do all Double Die Cents, have to have a split in the Doubling of the Letter or number? to be considered a Double die

    If so, are those that I have marked Red on the Coin Considered Splits?

    Also on the Rim of a Coin sometimes it looks like the Copper or Clad sometimes looks like it melted over the edge if you look at the Rim on the Coin Picture I have Cropped you can see what i’m talking about, is this some sort of a die break? or other error?

    Thank you so much as always, your a great teacher.
    Kim

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e646d1b9747e393f7f672696ff914e03d4ab3953fa7391d29795e37e713713f.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5df49aee94059c46e66772f0ec236f69b3b149d39d408005006e9f89520397e3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8d997e9efca573a445b0df29ff3e68e41252e0458610fce2bc51d2ec0ef2d122.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5da121d7666dccd3ea4d9b3b573629cbdb0709a43b9c9ab0d5621d83055950f4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d081a954fcbb873f7b6b85a1fef439077441ff4cebf8a093ea1a62dd191236a1.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d5da3908bbdee57ceafe8cd071d181da0576d5cbd0aad06fb2ce4404e8baa885.jpg

    Reply

  56. Hi Joshua, I have a coin question but I cannot submit a pic because even though it says i’m signed in, when I go to drop a picture, it says you must be logged in???? I’ve tried several things and nothing works, do you no what’s happening?

    Reply

  57. Hi Joshua First I want to Thank you for answering my last question. I Have another about 1983 D Lincoln, Looking at the top Obverse side just above God would you say that those are rim cuds?? or die chips, stress or not an error. Thank You

    Reply

  58. Hi there… I’m hoping you can help me….I have a penny I need help with.

    The word liberty is spelled libertv…. it’s clear as day it’s a 1955 d lincoln penny Any thoughts ? Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      This is a heavily worn “S” mintmark, and they tend to take on this blocky look with wear.

      Thanks for reaching out,
      Josh

      Reply

  62. Hey Joshua it’s me John again I have a 1943 steel penny I believe……. would you mind having a look and maybe help me out with some of your knowledge …..if you have the time thank you!!! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/497cb892e2fbcc95b2f390bf44e2270bf4a45666d0adb5ebdffade37664bf8e0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1a46438f99d679c97752efe9632d7d3f56e90c0fcc07ea6e56e28ef8f479e695.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4b17cb5f6701fa8003ea23df8ae8ce52daa253727f3750a4795a7b2e849198a6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ea70980fc7ff2bfdb73609ab877356b7e4289fd06540cda6894f734f6182882b.jpg

    Reply

  63. Hi Joshua, I have a 1971 D Lincoln that appears like it possibly had the date struck over a date , Im not sure what is going on but looking at it closely it looks like other numbers. Also there is what looks like miniature numbers on the coin I have a arrow pointing to them. The date looks like there is a S over the 1. Better if you look then if I try to explain. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/75419764518971db28b9030028393e41f504aa31148aa6e6f46e9f953982d55b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/714a1e618f7b14fd81e0baf01f534de7ce30fd0e1f4cd1e6729608b8e1701b07.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/99402461fb8ceb44c03e5eda21afb49ae20ffe3629cc50c41bfcbc56bafe972a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/de9b5058764e0bea484d516f27cce39ed2e39cd891dfe506b8781ca80266b217.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2f906496fe4d7c2e38a86c02544dbaa2be2c3dc01c55d48da9fee3ed7e23e22b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fd242592300a525ed8a9095166df1bb692e6a3656e53c3b0ce5ca5dc2ba655f9.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Unfortunately, this is a 1971-D penny with some very heavy post-mint damage on the area of the date, which has been nearly obliterated from the surface. This is evidenced by the heavy marks in and around the date.

      As a consolation, this piece is still worth more than face value due to its copper content, around 2 to 3 cents. Maybe not much, but it’s not a total dud!

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  64. Hi Joshua, I found a 1987 D Lincoln Cent some time ago and its got best of me about asking you if this is something to look into or just another non error. On the Reverse the next ledge above where the first set of FG initials are looks to be another Set of Initials FG ?? I’m not sure if this is possible so that’s why I’m asking. I also have another interesting Lincoln cent that looks to have 8. serial numbers printed on the Obverse side, Have you ever heard of anything like that?? Thank you so much as always for your time and help . Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f69ed5515238b157f0a5bb2eef99e4e1dc25f6fa1e51191bdd0e2112fb500f63.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/266535717cdf43d9c55532530738ef936bdff040fea134af9d91655e38bab357.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      I’d need to please see the whole surface of the obverse to get a better sense as to what’s going on with the appearance of the numbers, etc. At this point, I see a bunch of striations which look to be post-mint damage in the single photo I see here but can’t seem to find evidence of the numbers.

      As for the FG, the closeup is fuzzy, but the appearance of doubling may be the diagnostic of a doubled die. You might want to send that by the experts at CONECA to see if they can attribute that to a new or obscure variety. Their website is http://www.varietyvista.com.

      Fingers crossed!
      Josh

      Reply

  65. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b5189295829f8f582750bd68ec2af72b1fe2e4e7572347abf9081d339a4b7d22.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/00d687586b13486512af1c20e2cca4116578417f05938e07a6ac7b4bf1dcd67f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3567a14086d864ba7ffe46641f2b726f74e87d4289cc791532c69b8db53f082f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/65a03eefc7ca6b9d52db352af24127fc379834b753825a43310ff79d2da7f220.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c9cdae7ce7da23a5d8f549860c838e21509e335a90b911ea63e34ae782a2dbfc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0a053dcccba0264b47113e6b20d9d088f65353deda1b7a946c558d9265dab505.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/091be9bf9bccd1541aa4fdacbaabd3f71ad91b2fba9dcead4f25f104ae024901.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cbd2b32962eeb4e96485628f55e75f8dd69036cf9332a03db112b075dd01820.jpg
    Hi Josh, here is a interesting one, its a 1983D Lincoln Cent, Would this be considered Struck through Debris or a Strike Through> ?? Not Post Mint Damage…right, Thank You Kim Oh and it weights 2.35

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Unfortunately this appears to be environmental damage… More specifically, it looks like a form of porosity or pitting. Struck-through errors refer to a portion of the design being obliterated by a foreign material, like grease or fabric on the die.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  66. So how can a person tell if it’s struck through foreign Material? When I look at the coin I was showing you I see consistent circular pattern all through the coin. Also for it to be a struck through (like Cloth or other) the marks have to be raised Correct?? I mean the marks cannot just be a Design that is completely flat on the coin Correct., Here is an example of what Im trying to ask or say, (There really cool looking Coins if nothing else) LOL Thank you for helping. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fa91d470e9500edb63cb39d1db514110bb42733a56adf6e983dbc8c157b7666b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ebe10f931affcb6b0647e090fcc0d5e3aeeaa3436a2ab8591907ba4469830b88.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c361390df32232ed5ed27ca0b90bd6b00ad868d20a5b81398d7683ccf2249709.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/034ceb9bb5277142dcf9f18464e343d460b42c9db3ece246079acc8fd500d90d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3f39371a6738d70ceb225b11173c45b7df7284e937974d9b20d59641ecfea6ba.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ffd9be24fbe5abf3d36fc68557096cfe72e4792d17290075cbce8bfd5ff5e7d4.jpg

    Reply

    • Kim,

      The dime you showed me was misshapen but had a fully struck reeded edge, which means the coin was minted perfectly within its retaining collar and left the mint in normal shape and condition. Something happened to the coin after it left the mint that flattened out the coin and gave it an oblong shape. There is no way that could’ve possibly happened at the mint while still giving the coin a complete, reeded edge.

      In this case, the coin pictured here shows discoloration — including telltale fingerprints from mishandling. It’s indeed a neat-looking coin but unfortunately not a strike-through error. Here’s more info on identifying errors versus coins with post-mint damage: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/pmd/

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

      • emm, wasn’t me who asked you about a Dime, LOL I was asking about strike through coins and either I didn’t word the question right or maybe you just didn’t understand what I was asking but it is totally understandable because you must get really tired of answering the same coin questions everyday..I’ll figure it out sooner or later. A Thank You just the same.

        Reply

        • Oh my gosh, Kim! My apologies… While my reply to you about your Lincoln cents with the discoloration patterns remains the same (not strike throughs) I am trying to figure out why I thought you had posted about an ovoid dime that I had seen here posted just the other day. I enjoy replying to these questions but sometimes I see posts clustered together by various readers and must’ve transposed something in my mind. Oh well…

          Thanks for your understanding,
          Josh

          Reply

    • Hi, Marilyn —

      I’m not an expert on the many various Morgan dollar VAM varieties, but yours certainly looks like a keeper. You might want to submit this photo to a variety expert at CONECA (www.varietyvista.com) for attribution of this die break.

      Good luck!
      Josh

      Reply

  68. Hi Josh, I have a 1954 S Lincoln Cent I would like you to take a look at. If you look at the Mint mark it looks like a second S but not only that but the S Looks like the wrong S over the top of what the real mintmark is suppose to be. Ill put the one in question along with some other 1954 S Lincoln cents to compare the Mint mark S. Thanks Josh https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/926ca3aad375174e8163c13f5ed6d4521c13e4ad29926cbfb76b23f535ab4e04.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a94b456960c7d888aff4ec3152fb4cf95533d1fcba99be13e15c19ba3cda7c37.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b68ca366477ea7a3f743ea378e2e3fbe585d387b6a234b4876c520a68b292562.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/751928c5635a70d91199b9403401930422ac7b7b2e78491f3b4a3a82e809aa51.jpg

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    • Hi, Kim —

      It looks like you have a repunched mintmark here… These are fairly common types of varieties but all are collectible. Many repunched mintmark pennies from that era are worth anywhere from $3 to $10, but your specific variety could be worth more.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  69. Hello Josh!
    Could you please fill in a few blanks about these Wheat Pennies please? First the 45s looks doubled by the D in GOD. And actually all off those devices on top. And the same goes for the rest. They are in order as they are lined up for obverse and reverse not in order by date. There is a Die break I’m guessing on the reverse of the 58 on CENT. And the 53 nomintmark looks doubled all the obverse. I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks a mill!! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fcffb06f2017c2ec36f824e135af7eaa5e3d58f663a9f2bc1b5588c18d6d3da8.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b95bfc3a429dc5851662880b26121c4d04bbd19113c55038b9d29c93855a4939.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/747d4329bf93d29fb5d74359e5a9f0efef75d70808a6a65a8c1edb181afa906c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dca68b0e2181cd65f32ef693f464eb7de48b6b1a2080a8bd05b0830d0b9824fd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dca68b0e2181cd65f32ef693f464eb7de48b6b1a2080a8bd05b0830d0b9824fd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/18c360fefba91b601eb387a888fdf6aeeb4704bb984e2995953c70fab5f078a5.jpg

    Reply

  70. Hi Josh, I came across a 2012 D Lincoln cent I have with beautiful toning and then I noticed on the reverse it looks to me like massive die cracks through the word E Pluribus. Would you give me your opinion on what this is and if it is something worth sending in Please. Thank you. Kim https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2e45bbcce76d64e8a1f3b31becc101e43649314eb24cc8479f141d4ecbd32823.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8269bb5e2aa1f9a4d578700de5bafca2509238584732fbeae459060b0ce1aa47.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b808b654a964a66a25b827dfb86d304e4fcead35bfc71b727d0e1391f5bab2e5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c65dfb96dae42272098f831f74995d159bbf5e95d73c8e7270b67ff9ad2a7255.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/04b1d69c98c77f0e9d0bb1b5509987a7d8b6f75530dcf4c12f633030e70d36b4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/929db4573a34b5b40861e1d22b266e55c4720ae36671095d585baec2aa48a3e7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/92ec3dedc66b88f58e911ea4985c4c0b7f0c2d4257a4da38a5082ad3f638a2ab.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b708c5e9ec30446a04294ae518455b33b182d8b58800a51a6d252d9ba2e265e1.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Yes, there are what appears to be some minor die breaks evident in E PLURIBUS UNUM. It’s hard to determine the desirability of the toning with a focus on only a few small spots where it appears, but as you are likely aware, the desirability of toning is highly subjective. Some will pay hand over fist for toned coins, others won’t touch them with a 10-foot pole. In this case, any additional value over face is more likely in the presence of the tiny die breaks, which are common but could lure an interested collector to spend an extra dollar or so for this piece.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  71. Hi josh, I have a interesting question about the large and small date 1970 s Lincoln Cent. Is the hooked 9 suppose to be the small date? and if so why is it hooked on my large date in the picture? the 7 in clearly longer than the 0. (I would call that a hooked 9 wouldn’t you?) Thanks Josh https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e605a71e27613a10cb4368a380e6d9ee7556f90df05a5612cf2f4182a3f141e7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f6e100257a47704a5c0995b61ebdb1048c20ca0e210485cecb7835d85d8f4e7.jpg

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    • Hi Josh I made a photo with description of the 1970 s Lincoln Cent in question and also a photo I borrowed online that I found you can compare the two photos to better understand what im talking about. Note the number 7 lines with the hooked and unhooked 9 . One more thing I found was the mintmark shape is the same shape as the small date mintmark. Its like I have a half small and half large date coin with the height of the 7 being wrong forhttps://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2723163a484ee65d1b6f25219631b4d1de209eb28ed25ca6c798ad4e73ccef3b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/460db4ea17f95ebdb30701497645700da1af2edd0edc0b258b98dc68b30cc0fd.jpg

      Reply

      • Hi, Kim —

        These photos of the 1970-S are both large dates and are common.

        Thank you for reaching out,
        Josh

        Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      This is a solid large date — the top of the “7” is lower than the other digits.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Hi josh I have another question about the 1970 s . My 1970 S is also a mirror image proof. It is hard to see in this picture but it has that mirror image and from what I read only the 1970 sets came like this and not the circulated cents and that the sets are the small dates???? The coin it beautiful and I’m am very sure that it has the mirror image. The only way I can describe the coin is like the new dimes that came out, that have a mirror clad image. So if I read it right about the real proof coin then this coin should not have been in circulation is this correct?? the mirror image coin should be in a set?? also if you notice the color on the two each are different.

        Reply

        • here is another picture of the my coins and a picture I borrowed off line, look at my lines I drew they are exactly as the picture I got offline for the small and large. plus my coin being the mirror image for the set. My coins have the text next to them . Ps im not trying to question your opinion I’m just trying to understand from what I have been reading. And how my line are exactly as the photo online I borrowed for the large and small date (for the 9) the 7 I know is the large date, this is more about the mirror image, the 9 being curved.
          https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/153ffd165077daa731708b2743d9201a3c3ce13568ae507bc8a4b96da900497c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ec5a66fd0cb46fbafe603e7caefd53d472319d5425ab29561fdcd57029b0f106.jpg

          Reply

          • Hi, Kim —

            The photos on the left are of a 1970-S large date… Note the dropped “7.”

            Best,
            Josh

        • Hi, Kim —

          It’s possible that this was a 1970-S large date proof broken from its proof set and spent as regular money. You may be surprised how often proof sets are broken up (often by those who don’t know what they have or don’t really care and just spend the coins as cash). So, you’re correct in that proof coins weren’t issued for circulation, but it’s not necessarily all that rare for these pieces to be spent as money. I’ve seen several impaired proofs in pocket change and roll searches in my own 30 years of collecting coins, and I know others who have reported similar findings!

          A 1970-S large date impaired proof — one that was circulated — could be worth 50 cents to a dollar.

          Best,
          Josh

          Reply

          • HI Josh, thank you for confirming that it could be a proof.. Not so much worried about how much there worth as I am about knowing what the coin is. Now if it were the famous 1969 s or the copper 1943 then the price tag would be the number one thought. lol Thanks again as always for your help Kim

  72. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2c56c46e1829dd54a1fa796c14c710c2c162b83ed05327df73cf4c3c0c66f32e.jpg Hi Josh, I have a 1970 D Lincoln cent, or at least I think its a 1970 maybe 76 and looking at it, it looks like there’s another image on the obverse of the coin. Looks like either a man or woman sitting there with maybe a hat on, a hummingbird flying in front of his face and a child sitting down by his legs again with a hat on. Is this some sort of defective planchet ? I’m just not sure what to make of it but its pretty cool looking. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9c0c3ed70a3923812d297a95d35aa81fbb1d58baac6f7073ae84a20237472ec1.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim —

      Unfortunately, this is not a mint error but rather a heavily damaged / altered 1976-D Lincoln cent. While this piece has no monetary value as an error, it is worth about 2 or 3 cents for its copper metal value.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  73. Hi Josh, thank you for your help as always. Can I ask you..when you look at a coin like that of the one I ask you about and you so it is damage… what is it that gives it away that it is damage? I mean is it because there is no such thing as another coin being printed over the top of this coin or that its not actually a person printed over the top of Lincoln? I’m trying to understand what it is when you look at a coin to decide if it is just damage or something else. Could you just instantly decide it Was damage? I’m trying to learn some of your first thoughts on a coin so I can learn why its just a pmd coin and not something other. If this makes sense. I do read up on a lot of the different things but I don’t always understand. I’m a hands on learner. Is it just a freak damage of the coin that makes it look like a person then??

    Reply

    • Hello, Kim!

      Determining whether or not a coin is exhibiting damage versus an error takes time and experience, but it also requires knowledge on the minting process and figuring out, “how could this possibly have happened at the mint?” To answer that latter question requires knowing how a coin is struck, from Point A (a blank from a sheet of metal) to Point Z (being ejected from the presses, prepped for circulation, and bagged for distribution). Anything that happens to a coin after a coin is struck on the press is post-mint damage — even if that damage happens at the mint.

      In the case of your coin, everything unusual on your piece screamed to me post-mint damage. It is mangled and most of the damage involves hits going into the surface and metal getting pushed around. There IS a category of extreme errors that involve those phenomena, but they don’t take on this appearance (die caps, bonded coins, and the like).

      There is no technical way the mishaps/damage on your coin happened at the mint. I do see what looks like the silhouette of a little man with a hat, but that is something that was either carved into the coin intentionally after it left the mint or, perhaps, it’s just a gouge or series of gouges that occurred on the coin post-mint and just so happened to take on that form — sort of like seeing shapes of various things in the clouds! These aren’t things that will come out of the mint… The process for striking a coin at the U.S. Mint is run like a tight ship. Mint employees aren’t carving images or designs onto individual coins, and these anomalies aren’t being imbued into the dies either. It’s a highly mechanized process from start to finish.

      You might find this video interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRpRz2P4l2g&t=3s

      It shows how a quarter is struck at the U.S. Mint. The same process is used for striking other circulating U.S. coinage, too. As you’ll see, it’s a streamlined process from point A to point B with very little interaction between the coins and mint personnel. The high-tech coin-manufacturing process also offers very little opportunity for error. And, when errors happen, they are generally weeded out at the mint. That’s not to say there isn’t the occasional error that does escape, but mint errors and varieties are generally confined to off-center strikes, doubled dies, and the things found here: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coin-errors-and-varieties/

      I’m not sure if this answers your questions, but I hope it does. Also realize it takes years and years to pick this stuff up and recognize it off the bat. I’m 30 years into the hobby and still learning myself! 😀

      Never stop asking questions and always keep learning!

      Cheers,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Thank you so much for your time to explain this in more detail for me. I was actually thinking more on the lines of maybe the coin was possibly a foreign coin that got somehow dropped in and went through the whole process again because of the image of a man wearing a hat sure had my curiosity. I will following the link you put in and read up on it. Thank you again. Kim

        Reply

  74. Hi Josh, I have a 1984 D Lincoln Cent that I could use your opinion on. It looks like a double mint mark except it indents at the bottom part of the D and is full at the top. Is it some sort of die deterioration or pmd. Thank you for your help. I can take better pictures of this if you need. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/39695804699b25d3f5a7d4815ec86f47a158314c3c7012ba2bc9e32f7738eb97.jpg Ihttps://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/39695804699b25d3f5a7d4815ec86f47a158314c3c7012ba2bc9e32f7738eb97.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6320f34317f9d0a69a16861aefd7634a3444008daec605e24d3b4fe8005c8306.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1ce4b15dde14c7f9197343b878900389fa5b8b60a0bbd8709da1d07159d27b4f.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim!

      Looks like you found a repunched mintmark! These are certainly collectible and can generally be worth anywhere from $5 to $10 or even more.

      I am not myself an overall expert in repunched mintmarks, so I can’t tell you in this case if there is a specific variety worth significantly more than another, but you might want to check out the info at varietyvista.com to inquire further and see if they have a listing for this one.

      Cool find,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Hi Josh, getting back to you on the 1984 D possible RPM as I said I would, I found out that it was not a RPM, maybe next time ill have better luck. Thank You Josh I always appreciate your help, you have taught me much since I started years ago. I always mention your name as the person who has been guiding me, you are a very patient and helpful person.

        Reply

        • Hello, Kim!

          I’m sorry to hear the possible 1984-D RPM didn’t pan out but am wishing you better luck on the next find… I appreciate what you shared with me very much and am glad to help as best I can. Keep pursuing that numismatic knowledge! I can tell you even after 30 years mine is still growing — it’s something that never stops!

          Have a great day,
          Josh

          Reply

  75. Hi josh thank you again for your help on the 1984 D possible rpm? I did what you advised and am now waiting on an answer and will let you know what I find out.
    I have another question if you don’t mind, I have a Lincoln Cent coin that has a image of what looks like images of letters on it, my question is .. for it to be some sort of clash die.. does the metal have to be raised? I cannot seem to find anything that talks about whether or not the metal has to be raised or not for it to be a clash die. It is a Lincoln Cent Formative years and on the reverse there is a imprinted image of his (looking at the coin left side) thumb that looks like it’s 5 times bigger besides other lettering on the coin as well. But they’re just imprints and the metal is not raised, and it Is not the image from the obverse side.
    As you told me before on other coins that had holes and such, that it could not be an error because the mint would not produce such a thing, I’m guessing that it cannot be a clash die because of the picture imprinted on the coin doesn’t resemble the obverse side of the coin or any of the lettering? Sorry I’m not good at how to word it. here is a picture of obverse and reverse of the coin in question https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3108b75b88254b9c2131fff3815140c89d1117809c485e4c153472ffa4a03446.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/28eefc4a106997ca0fa0a71334b5fb0bfdacdb79681923176336598eecf80488.jpg

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    • Hi, Kim —

      The images are a little blurry here but generally, yes, the design aberrations on a die clash are generally seen in relief (raised). I can’t tell what’s happening here, and I don’t recognize the pattern that seems to be in these photos. Without seeing the coin in hand or sharper images I really can’t say with much confidence. This might be something to submit for a professional variety expert to try evaluating and see if they can make a determination.

      Best of luck on this!
      Josh

      P.S. Fingers crossed on the potential 1984-D repunched mintmark! 🙂

      Reply

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