Nickel-Penny Mystery!

Discussion in 'Error Coins' started by tfj, Jul 14, 2012.

  1. tfj

    tfj New Member

    My father in law brought me a coin today. I know nothing about coins, except how to spend them at a vending machine.

    From my limited research, this is some sort mule coin, but I can't find any other examples similar to this.

    Here's what I notice:
    • It appear to be a 195(8?) wheat penny, that was struck again with a 1958 nickel die
    • Looks to be copper, and is the same height as a penny, but the same diameter as a nickel
    • Edges are smooth, like a nickel and a penny
    Who can tell me more about this? Perhaps point me to some other examples? Is this an exciting find?

    Below are photos, alongside some other random coins for size comparison.

    DSC_0030-2.jpg DSC_0034-2.jpg DSC_0034.jpg DSC_0030.jpg DSC_0039.jpg
     
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  3. CharlesNC

    CharlesNC Member

    Looks to be a good $.06 to me. Nice double denomination. Good details, pretty dramatic, and with some age on it.
     
  4. doug444

    doug444 STAMPS and POSTCARDS too!

    Would most of the experienced CT members then agree that this coin should be graded and slabbed? Is that sufficient absolute proof of authenticity?
     
  5. ejmunden

    ejmunden New Member

    That is a cool coin and really needs to be certified by NGC or PCGS to realize its full value.
     
  6. tfj

    tfj New Member

    Is it potentially unique enough to be graded? I see one other thread on here where a penny was also struck by a nickel, but no images (anymore). Can anyone point me to other examples with photos of this type of error? There's also some uncertainty in the other thread about this being a mule vs. a double denomination.

    Again, I know nothing about coins. :)
     
  7. cremebrule

    cremebrule Active Member

    AND it's a wheat cent! :eek: I've never seen a double denomination struck with an older date. And it has some beautiful toning there as well. Would grade a solid AU or maybe even BU in my opinion. I highly recommend sending it in for both preservation and to help realize its full value potential. Amazing coin; nice find! :)
     
  8. eddiespin

    eddiespin Fast Eddie

    Let the TPG figure that out. I'd just send it to ANACS. Nice coin! :thumb:
     
  9. wooleytree

    wooleytree Operation Flamingo

    Are the wheat stalks and Lincoln raised from the surface?
     
  10. wooleytree

    wooleytree Operation Flamingo

    I would also weigh it a cent weighs 3.1 grams and a nickel 5.0 grams.
     
  11. tfj

    tfj New Member

    Yes, the penny details are raised. I'll have to get access to a precision scale to get a weight on it. If I take it to a local coin shop, will they weigh it for me without any hassle?
     
  12. ejmunden

    ejmunden New Member

    Just a quick Google search did not produce anything so it could be rare due to the fact it is struck on a wheat penny. Really cool. In my opinion NGC is the way to go with that coin. Where did your father in law find this coin???
     
  13. ejmunden

    ejmunden New Member

    Where are you located??? maybe we could refer you to a dealer
     
  14. wooleytree

    wooleytree Operation Flamingo

    Most coin shops or gold and silver exchanges should have accurate scales. Even your local Pawn shop should be able to do it for you. If it's real you have a cool coin! Congrats and good luck!
     
  15. tfj

    tfj New Member

    I'm up in central Washington state, the part of the state that isn't Seattle or Spokane.

    My father-in-law got it from his dad, as far as I know. It hasn't ever been professionally valued, but they've had it in his family for a while.

    What's the best way to get it over to the shop without already having a holder? He brought it over to me in a little plastic bag, which is probably what it had been kept in previously.

    And ultimately, what will confirming the weight tell us?
     
  16. ejmunden

    ejmunden New Member

    Check these guys out http://ljrcoins.com/. Recently had a client's sibling deal with them on part of an estate and there offer was very fair she said they were very helpful. To bad you not in Indianapolis...
     
  17. ejmunden

    ejmunden New Member

    Ziploc bag is perfectly acceptable.
     
  18. rascal

    rascal Well-Known Member

    Your father in law must really like you. out of all the coins I have seen on this forum I like this one the best. It is very easy to tell this one is the real thing and authentic all the way . take good care of it and only handle it from the edges so as not to put finger prints on it. I bet this coin in the right auction would sell for enough to buy you a new car or a good home.

    the modern coins with the cent struck on a struck dime sell for around 2000.00 and your coin is much rarer and has lots of age to it.
     
  19. doug444

    doug444 STAMPS and POSTCARDS too!

    Rent the smallest size safety deposit box and KEEP IT THERE.
     
  20. robbudo

    robbudo Indian Error Collector

    did your father in law find this? or has he been keeping it around for awhile?
     
  21. rickmp

    rickmp Frequently flatulent.

    How does a nickel get into a cent coining chamber?
     
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