1938 cent error?

Hi,
I'm doing something right now that I will probably never be able to do again in my entire life. I am sorting through a cigar box of honest to goodness unsearched wheaties... We found them in the basement of my Grandfathers house. It is amazing!

Anyway I found this coin, a 1938 cent that looks like it might have an error on it. The 8 at the end of the date is twisted out of vertical, and almost looks like it might be upside down. Is such a thing possible?

And before you say anything I should have a photo of it by the end of the day. I've never taken a photo of a coin before so there is a lot of issues to work out before I get a picture I am happy with.

Thanks,

 

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d_lairson:
We await the photo, but, most likely, it was damaged by a coin counting machine.

 

If the 8 looks fatter than it is tall, it's a common master die doubling that occured on many 1938's. There's no premium if this is the case (according to C. Daughtrey in "Looking Through Lincoln Cents")

Of course, without pics, it's anyone's guess.
Guy~

 

give me pics!!!!

 

Guy: He says: "he 8 at the end of the date is twisted out of vertical, and almost looks like it might be upside down. Is such a thing possible?"

I think post mint damage.

 

could be a crimp mark from the fingers that used to close the rolls.

 

Pics Finally...

Here is the best pic that I could manage for now... It is not the best, but I think you can make out the slight twist and inversion in the 8.

I'll keep working on it and try and get something better...

Thanks

 

it's too small, could you post a larger one?

 

More Pics

After some playing around, I finally just got out my loupe, held it in front of the lens and took these pictures. I think they are a little better.

http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/d_lairson/?action=view&current=1938cent2.jpg

http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/d_lairson/?action=view&current=1938cent1.jpg

Thanks,
David

 

I posted in the US coins forum, but thought that I might do better in here. While searching through some wheat cents I found this strange 1938 cent. It looks like the 8 is upside down and angled off to one side. I have no clue about this coin, any help?

Thanks,
David

Also many thanks to GDJMSP who enhanced the picture for me.

 

It also looks like the "BER" of liberty is leaning. That don't make any sense to me.

 

Looks like an 8 over 9 or an 8 over a 7 to me. Or its some sort of damage.

 

damage from a coin counting machine.
Common damage.
Sorry.

 

I dont think so..gee almost looks like an it was suppose to be a 9

 

As others have observed, it's damage from a coin-wrapping machine.

 

I agree with the assessment that it is Post Mint damage but I am not certain that the damage was done by a coin counting or wrapping machine! There is rim distortion slightly to the Southeast of the "8" and appears that the coin was dropped on the edge of it's rim. Although this would distort the planchet somewhat in the area of the "8", I also think that the "8" took some kind of lick on the Southeast quadrant of the lower loop which extends into the Southeast quadrant of the upper loop (Note: The flat side look to the lower loop!).


Frank

 

It looks like there's also something funny with the U in TRUST. How does a coin wrapping machine cause distortion like this, if that is indeed the cause?