Hi, I found this penny in my pocket change just a few days ago. I realized it was much larger than a normal penny. Its size is between 20mm - 21mm and it weighs 2.6 grams. It is slightly concave on the reverse. Please excuse my ignorance when it comes to numismatics. It isnt a hobby of mine, i just would like to find out some info on the coin i found. I would just like to find out if this is real and how to go about getting it authenticated and its value. I would appreciate any input.
It is called a Texas cent. You take a copper coated zinc cent, put it between two pieces of lather and beat it with a hammer. It comes out larger.
So.. The answer is that it is a real Cent but it is not a Mint Error. Just PMD - Post Mint Damage. No need to get it authenticated. And it's only worth 1 Cent.
The Leather and Hammer method I find to be crude and cumbersome. I tried this and it did not turn out well. Special clamping equipment must be involved. It is much easier to put a coin between two pieces of Lexan ® and into a high capacity hydraulic press. This is the coin i have that made me want to recreate to process. If you look close you can tell the date of this coin.
If you think about it, how can it be an error? It wouldn't fit in the penny machine at the mint because it's too big. Only a penny or a dime could fit in there. And so, it had to be enlarged, after it left the mint. I have a few of those. Texas cents.
