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 Replies: 11 / Views: 6,877 |
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New Member
United States
23 Posts |
I found this penny with the mint mark shown. I had never seen this being a nubbly numismatist so I took it to the local coin shop. The dealer stated it looked like a D over S mint mark, but he had never seen one on a 1984 penny. Anyone else seen this?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
721 Posts |
Welcome mhozell! You are correct that a D/S on a 1984 cent would be a rarity. That being said, there could be a number of other things it probably is - post mint damage, zinc rot, etc. In order to be sure and so we can help you better, can you post a closer clear photo of the mintmark itself? If it is a D/S that would be exciting!
I forgot to add that in 1984 the only S mintmark used were on proofs, which probably makes it even less likely that it is a D/S. Don't rule out a new D/D however.
Edited by drdave
05/16/2013 08:52 am
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New Member
 United States
23 Posts |
I'll see what I can do. Being new to this, I was just trying to complete a set by going through a couple thousand coins when I came across this. That's my first photo of a coin and I'm not sure my camera can go much closer. Guess I'll have to read the tips on photography.
Now, I see errors on lots of the pennies, but they are mostly worn/broken die stuff. I'm assuming that's fairly common. A couple of 1943 "weak 4" pennies. "9"s or "D"s with their centers filled in. But, this one was my first and it still impresses me. I'm hoping it is not some form of corrosion!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
571 Posts |
Looks like zinc rot to me. Very common for that year since the mint didn't have the plating process perfected yet.
Dave
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
 It is zinc rot from split plating around the mintmark, very common during the 1980s. |
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New Member
United States
23 Posts |
Well, you are bursting my bubble of enthusiasm over this coin, but it has been exciting and I am looking forward to finding more. I'll still photograph it better when I get my USB Microscope. (Much easier than hunching over a lighted magnifying glass for an hour or two.)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2651 Posts |
I remember the days when I used to hold the loupe over a coin and take pictures. Not fun and takes alot of time. I also bought a USB Microscope and it was worth it. As far as the coin above I also think it is zinc rot. There is a reason some errors are worth money and that is because they are rare. So keep searching and keep asking questions if you need answers. I'm sure you will find some goodies. Happy Hunting!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2624 Posts |
Quote:
Anyone else seen this? In fact yes I have. Many(MANY) years ago when I could get excited about something like this. I later learned that it is zinc rot as this coin appears to be. I also want to echo what Jayman931 said, Quote:
keep searching and keep asking questions if you need answers. I'm sure you will find some goodies. Happy Hunting! Oh! by the way, let us know when you complete your set. Edited by DrDon
05/16/2013 4:42 pm
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Valued Member
United States
164 Posts |
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New Member
United States
23 Posts |
Just to confirm the earlier suspicions that this was zinc rot, I managed a better photo of the area. Now, it's pretty obvious. Thanks to those who called it!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
Zinc rot from split plating. The beginning of the end for the coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
721 Posts |
That new picture makes it obvious!
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Replies: 11 / Views: 6,877 |
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Posted 05/16/2013 08:58 am
