The cent is in bad shape but, it has squared edges and the outer edge does not look tampered with. It is slightly smaller in diameter than a regular cent and weighs 2.9grams. In hand, it looks like it's a proof coin especially the rim.
Thanks. I have 2 but the Dad's Root Beer Cent is a favorite as the date on the coin matches the date on the holder, 1937. That's the year Dad's was founded.
Agree with the 'liberated' cent folks. You may want to measure the diameter relative to one that wasn't encased.
Dad's Root Beer. Still in operation. I haven't seen them around, but I don't do much grocery shopping. I think I'll look next time I'm in Wal Mart, maybe....
I read your post this morning and later looked at some upcoming auctions and saw a raw red 1920 Lincoln cent listed as a gem proof. This outfit, Gold Standard Auctions, seems to auction a lot of questionable (probably cleaned) coins. I'm amazed at how high people bid on their stuff.