Is this a type of improper alloy mix or any kind of error?1990 Lincoln cent

new to collecting Lincoln cents and just started learning how to identify errors. I am unsure if this is an actual error or what?? Iv never seen a penny with this kind of coloring. Please help!

 

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Coloring says it all, nice stain!

 

A 1990 Cent is a Zinc core plated with Copper. Not an error just a stain.

 

Welcome to CT. Sorry, but your coin has a stain. It's normal since pennies are made from zinc and coated with a thin layer of copper.

 

Does anyone know what kind of error (if even an error) this is? The "STAT" letters in STATES and the "E" in E•PLURIBIS is almost non existent. Is this common? Iv looked at coin errors and tried to read about them as much as possible but it never seems clear enough and I don't just want to guess. Thanks

 

The letters on the die were filled with grease when the coin was struck. Very common.

 

First, welcome to the neighborhood!

This is the result of a grease-filled die. Grease builds up in the recesses of the letters and is gradually compacted. Eventually, it builds up to the point when the letters disappear. This is a very common error and isn't worth much except to a bidiot.

You might want to purchase a book about errors such as Alan Herbert's, The Official Price Guide to Mint Errors. Once you learn what the errors are called, it will be easier for you to find more information about them.

Chris

 

Thank you Chris! I will get that book right away! And thank you for the answering my question and explaining in detail.