I came across this penny that was struck off center. I took it to a coin shop, and the guy said it could be worth nothing, or a ton, but it's hard to tell. You cannot see the year or mint mark unfortunately. I know that this coin was purchased in the late 1980's. I got it from a friend who gave me an old coin collection. Any ideas on what this could be worth? Also, how might an error like this occur? The guy at the shop said it is likely that this may have been smuggled out of the mint, cause such errors are usually spotted and disposed of.
This is an offcenter strike. I doubt it was smuggled out of the mint. These are most often found in bags from the mint. As for value, collectors place premiums on ones that show the date. This one would probably bring $5 give or take a couple $$.
Because the mint has tightened it's quality control it seems the older cents are worth less then the newer cents. Hard to find off center coins after the year 2000 . Yes,the ones with dates and mint marks are worth more.