Hi there, I have been reading Coin Talk for a while. I really enjoy learning from you. I just become a member and this is my firts post. The question. I just found this 1961 cent with an error on the back. I would like to know if you think it is a mint error and if so... what would it be worth. Thanks!!
At first look I think it was struck through a rag----pretty neat and since its so large I would think that it would add some value to it---not alot but some. Wait around and see what the Error guys say---BTW---I'm going to move this thread to the Error forum where it will be seen better. Speedy
Very interesting piece! However, it appears to me that it may be Post Mint and man made! My thoughts are that someone melted down another cent and poured some of the melted metal on to the coin and used some sort of mold to press the unique design (pattern) into it and they would have had to created a ring to go around the coin to keep the molten metal from flowing over the edge (rim) of the coin. I could be wrong but the only other way that I could theorize that it would be an error is that the Obverse Die had an air bubble in the metal and that sometime during the minting process, the metal on the face of the Die shattered and created the unique pattern when striking the cent.
I think that Speedy is correct with the idea of the struck thru a cloth. The reverse rim is there, so it isn't acid treated. However, Frank (the writer formerly known as "The Other, Other Frank") has a valid point about post mint damage. (How's that for hedging my bet?) Still, The 'wrinkling' of the surface appears to be the former, but if it were a rag, wouldn't it be pressed very flat into the surface from the pressure of the die? Therefore, contrary to my original thoughts when I started writing this, I have to agree with Frank (the writer formerly known as "The Other, Other Frank").
My thoughts are - if it were struck through a rag - the wrinkles left in the coin would be incused into the design as it would produce the effect of a filled die. I say post mint damage.
This is a new type of error for me, My theory is that the die face broke out, unless the copper glob has a seam at the field line. If it is a 'large cud' , the opposite side details should be weak, and this doesn't seem to be the case. I am guessing that there is a 'seam' at the base of the blob.
Hi, Thank you all for your time. As I live in NYC I will take the coin to the Numismatic convention this weekend. I'll post any information given. Thanks again.
This is post-strike damage of some sort. The fact that the edges of the distorted area lie above the normal surface is a dead giveaway.
Hey Frank aka The Other Frank, Have you watched "Over The Hedge" too many times with the kids or grandkids (if you have any yet)?:rolling: :hammer: :goofer: :goofer: :goofer:
Frank (the writer formerly known as "The Other, Other Frank"): Sure I have kids, but they are elderly (I'm still too young to have kids, so I tell everyone that they are my wife's from a former marriage, she doens't appreciate it). Never heard of "Over the Hedge".?
Optimist Just curious, and I don't want to contradict an expert. But it looks to me like something with a lot of force "like the die striking the planchet," pressed it far enough into the coin so that it left an impression on the obverse side of the coin. If you look close you can see a raised area around lincoln's head. Eternal optimist...but I think it still has some small chance of being mint damage. I am probably making a great fool out of myself, but you never learn unless you question things.
I don't see a raised area around Lincoln's head. There would be no reason to expect one even if your scenario was correct. The pattern of distortion and metal flow seen on the reverse is not one that would be left by any kind of strike-through and certainly not by any kind of broken die. And again, the fact that the edge of the affected area stands well above the surface of the coin is inconsistent with any kind of error. That being said, it's always good to question "experts".
Mike: Thanks for your comments, I always learn from them. Also, yes, I agree that it is good to question the experts. Last year I showed several 'expert' dealers a 1942 D Merc that I was sure was the overdate. They all told me that I was wrong, save my money on certification, etc. Being stubborn, I sent it to NGC and now have a nice 1942/1 D Merc in XF-45. Thanks again.
