Hello, I am new here and not sure what things go on what forum. If this is not the correct forum for this post, please don't get upset. Here is the issue: IF a person THOUGHT they had a 1974 aluminum penny, how would they have it verified? Is it even wise to have it verified? And what should the person do with the penny? From what I have seen on the internet and on this site, I am not certain anyone should admit they think they might have such a penny. :mouth:
Umm. The question remains, is it wise for a person to publicly admit they think they have an illegal coin? If it is unwise, wouldn't a picture (if such a coin existed) be an unwise move?
Unless the coin is counterfeit in which case it would have no value, it is not illegal, my guess is it is missing a layer, or somehow it is more zinc....1974 was made of mostly copper, and a little zinc. maybe the coin is the wrong composition PIC PLEASE
Yeah, just pull out a scale and weigh it. If not post a pic... share a barrel of fun or a barrel on knowledge :headbang:
I see no reason why you should not post a picture. Mint errors are found every day. Some, inadvertently get released into circulation, and become major error specimens. Let's have a look see. Thanks. Welcome to the forums.
There are plenty of coins that never officially released that appear(?) legal to own. The only exception I'm aware of are the ten 1933 St. G's. But you can't be sure which way the Secret Service will jump.
The '74 aluminum cent is most definitely not legal to own. The Secret Service has repeated this on many occasions. But they can be verified as genuine with no harm done to the owner. Just like this one was -
I do not have a scanner at the moment. My daughter does have a digital camera. What is the best way to take a picture so that it is nice and clear and do all the resizing stuff to that it fits?
Not being flippant in the least - but practice a lot. It is not always easy. Scanners however, typically are easy.
WELCOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE TO THE FORUM. Try this. Place a pencil on a flat table. Six sided pencil works best. Balance a popsicle stick at one end of the pencil, place a drop of glue so the stick stays put. You now have a cheap balace beam scale. Now place a penny (cent) of any date prior to 1982 on one end of the stick, it wil now drop down to the table top. Now place your mystery 1974 Cent at the other end. If Aluminum, it will not even budge the one on the other side. If simply coated to look like one, both coins will balance. Pending wear on either coin may make a slight difference but not enough to not make a final decision. Next is a problem. Even if it is lighter than it should be, you still don't know if it's a fake made by someone either for fun or profit. I suspect sending it to a grader would cost more than it's worth if a fake. If real, I do wonder if they would confiscate it anyway. I think the safest method is to just send it to me and stop worrying about it.:whistle:
