1931 S Wheat Penny

Hi everyone. I have some questions regarding the 1931 S Wheat Penny. I hope the forum allows, but I have added external links to the photos of the penny. The penny is pretty beat up and it is hard to tell a D from a S. My question is regarding the lack of material around Lincolns ear and on the reverse the added material around "Cent" and "United States of America". I think this was a very poor stamping. The dings around the edges, I am pretty sure are from around 80 years of circulation. I have heard their are fakes of these pennies out there, but this one was not purchased, just found rummaging through pocket change. Do you think this is considered an error coin?

Links Below, and thank you in advance for your help.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/Atv02/P2280152.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/Atv02/P2280153.jpg

 

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Patina

The patina is actually much darker than appears in picture. I had to put it under intense light for it to come out clear.

 

Well, it's NOT a 1931S
The 3, if it is a 3, is the wrong shape. It should look like this:

It looks like a 1954S to me.
Compare yours

The rim gouge and mess by Lincoln's ear are heavy mechanical damage which deformed the coin (see the deformation on the reverse). Spend it.

 

I think you may be correct however none of the numbers are clear. the 1 in front doesnt even look like a 1, more like a square. Almost looks like a lowercase d or b, not 1. If you look at it under HIDs you can see what looks like the top of the 3 curving over to the left. I do not know if it was the worst stamping die the mint had, or really what is going on with the penny.

 

I really do agree that the bottom part looks like the bottom of a 5, but the top does curve left, with no vertical material that would connect the bottom curve to the top horizontal line.

 

Beautiful quote, I used to have it my myspace page.

 

Looks pretty much like a cleaned damaged coin to me. And Welcome to the forum.:hail:

 

I have attached a picture of a 1945 penny, and the 5 style is much different. I know they changed styles all the time. Newer pennies have a style that more reflects, if it is a 5, what is seen on my penny.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/Atv02/P2280154.jpg

 

I agree but it doesnt explain the excess material on the reverse. Normally damage would remove material, not add it.

 

I have an 1889 Indian head that is much more clear than this. If someone has a 1950's era penny can they please post a pic?

 

Also 1930's era pennies as well. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Yes I did clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and distilled water. I had to remove the dirt from the recesses so it was more readable.

 

OK, I think its a 50's. I have a 1952, and the bottom of the 5 curves the same as the 9 preceding it. Same as on this penny. Thank you everyone.

 

My opinion is that it is a 1951 S.

 

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the info. I will roll up in my next penny roll.