garthfan

We found this penny in our change today and are trying to get some information on it.

Here are the pictures: http://public.fotki.com/highlander77/lincoln_penny/

The "tails" side of the penny is a very nicely struck normal image. The "heads" side, however, is concave and carries two images: The most obvious image is an enlarged, reversed (mirror) Memorial and "E Pluribus Unum". Very faintly, however, you can also see the outline of the Lincoln head which should be there instead. No date is visible. Based on my own metal-working experience, I'm convinced by virtue of inspecting the integrity of the coin and the metal that this is not a post-mint error or a "manufactured fake". But, having little numismatic experience, I do not know exactly what it is or what caused it. Is this what is known as a "brockage strike"???

Any information greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

GDJMSP

Howdy garthfan - Welcome to the Forum !!

Must admit, I've never seen one quite like that before. But then I'm not an error collector.

If the size of the devices on the obverse were not so enlarged I would be tempted to think it might be a capped die error. But since they are so large - I don't think it happened at the mint. Just my opinion though - could easy be wrong.

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Metalman

I think GDJMSP was right on the capped die, it would not be uncommon for the image to spread and become larger as the planchet that has formed the cap is pounded until it finally lets go or is obliterated.
as it thins out a slight impression of lincoln would begin to appear.

mikediamond

It's a mid-stage brockage, a type of "capped die strike". A cent adhered to the obverse die and struck a succession of planchets, becoming in the process an obverse die cap. Your coin is one of the planchets that the die cap struck.

garthfan

Thanks for the info so far guys....So I guess I'll hang onto it as a "novelty" piece....I'm presuming there's not much value to it?

mikediamond

Lincoln cents with mid-stage brockages usually sell for about $20 on eBay.