Hello coin gurus! I am wondering if the coin I received as change the other day is an error coin or if it has just had a long life. The lettering seems extra broad compared to other 1976s that I did a quick google image search for. Also, there is an overlap around the edges that I was unable to find in my 1 hour research. I'd be interested in your thoughts. It is a 1976-D cent. I can scan other pics if needed. Thanks for your help!
Sure, I just ran it through Windows Live Photo Gallery with the only adjustment being the exposure setting. Let me know if you need something else.
I don't know what the problem with the die is that causes the strange line of demarcation between "sharply" struck and "non-sharply" struck parts of the outer lettering on the cent but it's on many cents. Also could be a die crack on reverse at "one"
OK, so I guess it is nothing spectacular considering the replies I've had so far. Can I get some feedback regarding the image for next time? Was it good enough or does it need to be a higher DPI scan? I also made a rookie error by leaving "cent" out of the thread title. My bad.
I didn't think the image was bad. Meant to reply earlier, but on my smartphone I was having difficulties, so I didn't and forgot to when I got to my 'puter. I have seen that type of cent before, and I don't know what the deal is that the sharpness of the striking image ends prior to the edge of the coin, that leaves a 'fuzzy looking' mark around the coin, either entirely or in parts, but the weird portions 'above' (closest to the upset edge) are just IMO junk (ghost images like from plating split or machine doubling type of problems) rather than actual striking of the die to coin. Somehow the area beyond the fuzzy markings either doesn't get struck properly and machine issues can happen or it's striking (like the die was ground down around the edges) and metal won't flow right.
Ok, and I feel kind of stupid right now --- I have to take back my previous remarks..... I made the remarks after looking at the coin on my smart phone, which now, because of me having to eat my words is NEVER going to be my source of looking at a coin; I responded by thinking this was similar to some other coins I had, and when I came back on the 'puter I did not look at the coin. This is not at ALL like what I was thinking it was, so my remarks have to be negated. I fully second the opinion it is PMD and dryer coin or some similar treatment that got it to this. Sorry all, mea culpa.
Well you learn something new everyday. I would have never thought that a clothes dryer could cause such damage, but at least I was paying attention to my spare change. Although from what I gather here at CT, there isn't as much interest in stuff in circulation anyway. Thanks for the opinions everyone. I will still keep it as a special coin because it was my first I ever asked about online. Hopefully some better ones will come my way.
I never knew that a dryer could do that, I have put coins through the dryer, they have been fine, must have been in a thousand and one times. I originally thought that someone hammered it, which still seems reasonable to me.
