leapc

I found this coin 2 years ago in my change jar, (see pictures) I still have it and thought I would try to get answers on what happened to it and its value. The coin has no copper finish on it, (silver color)also,the letters on the back( in "united states of america" the "S" and "of" are barely stamped into the coin. The whole edge of the coin looks like a railroad wheel,and the overall size is larger than a regular penny ... seems to be an extra outside rim. under a magnify glass it has a few little tiny bumps on front and back and the vdb mark is on it. my guess was a penny on a nickel planchet?? Please help , Tim

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leapc

see pictures

pcrdnadave

Welcome to the forum leapc. It seems the general consensus on coins like yours is that they are post-mint alterations. Some advise may be to measure its weight, thickness and diameter or to show it to a knowledgeable coin person. Be sure to do a search for similar threads and you'll see some others that have posted similar threads and the responses they got.

jody526

Welcome, Tim.

I'm pretty sure we can eliminate the "cent struck on a nickel planchet" theory.

I would guess that it has been damaged.

GDJMSP

I can't speak to the color - but why does side appear copper colored and the other not ? My guess would be the copper cladding is gone.

As to the other aspect - it does look like a railiroad rim. See HERE

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leapc

The color of the coin is very even front and back,The picture of the front just looks like copper,(must have been the lighting)the way the back looks in the pictures,is how the front looks also. I will post better pictures ...thanks

ndgoflo

Hard to tell by the pictures, but it could also have been "encased" and removed. Those types of coins also exhibit "railroad rims".

leapc

Look at these pictures and let me know what you think,Thanks ...TIM

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GDJMSP

Now based on those pics - in particular the bottom 2 - I'm gonna go with the encased coin idea. And if it's the same color both sides - then I'm convinced the copper cladding has been removed - likely by acid.

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leapc

Thanks you ,I'm not sure what encased means, but at least I know it wasnt a mint error.

ndgoflo

An encased cent is a souvinir type item. Usually a cent from what ever year an event is taking place is inserted into an aluminum ring, or sometimes a shape of a horseshoe, and then pressed so that the two become one. I have an example that I can post pics of, encased and removed. Give me a bit, I will try to post them on this thread as soon as possible.

ndgoflo