Hi, I live in Central Illinois, in a rural area. Yesterday this penny was found along my lane in some disturbed dirt. I have googled it and it has an interesting history for sure. Just curious if anyone knows if it is a restrike or one of the 1961 commemorative coins. It is in pretty bad shape, kind of bent, and seems to be copper as it has some green on it. I don't see any of the chisel or defacing marks I have seen on some pictures. Anyway, just curious. I can repost better pics if I can find my camera, these were taken with my phone camera. Thanks. Amy
I would have this coin authenticated. There are several places that can do this. I suggest you start locally and go from there. If you can't find someone who can authenticate it, (and not just anyone can) there are third party graders that can and will for a fee. I hope that helps
Well, regardless if it's worth anything or not, it was really exciting to find. There are a few coin shops not too far from here, will stop in there and see what they have to say. Thanks!
I'm not the one with the experience to authenticate it, but the date alone doesn't look like an authentic one. Yours goes straight across, while an original date is smaller and slightly curved upward on the ends. Also the digits don't seem to be in the right positions versus the bottom of the profile, especially the last number 1. http://www.coinfacts.com/confederate_coins/1861_confederate_cent.htm
