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 Replies: 9 / Views: 10,047 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I am a real rookie at this. I just found a 1974 penny that is truly silver. I 'googled' this strange occurence and found this group. Will anyone please help me to figure out if this is a collector's item or just another chunk o' metal?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
Welcome here, Kimberly.  Firstly--I would not suggesting doing anything to check whether the color is solid through the coin, such as filing the edge. There was an aluminum trial strike done in 1974, and those coins will feel noticeably light against a regular 70s cent. First try this simple test, and if it feels light, collectors here will suggest a few other safe tests to do. Edited by KurtS
08/27/2008 11:25 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
Quote:
I 'googled' this strange occurence and found this group. Lol, yea, we sure do have a few strange occurences here, that one Birdtoe guy (or some name like that) comes to mind. Yea, he's pretty strange..  |
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
It definately is lighter than other pennies from the 70's. How should I proceed?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1415 Posts |
Can you take pictures of both sides and post here.  Remember that if you post the within CC they must be smaller than 100K. Most camera software allows resizing! Also  |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Hmmmm. The pictures I am taking (cell phone camera) all are pretty blurry, or at least not sharp enough to see all the detail. Any tips? Image:  0828200809330.jpg91.33 KB |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
It needs to be weighed on an accurate scale. A genuine aluminum cent weighs 0.9 grams, standard bronze cent is 3.1g but do not get your hopes up- only two are known to exist and none have ever been "found". Almost always when someone thinks they have found something like this, it turns out to be toned a funky color or it is plated.
Edited by biokemist6
08/28/2008 10:57 am
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
The coin is marked as a "D" minting. Other than being silver and slightly lighter (and of course the year), I can't see any distinguishable differences than the 1964 penny I am using for comparison. Is it true that there were some minted that were never supposed to go into circulation?
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I will take it to a coin dealer and have it weighed. I have always been fascinated by coins anyway, so either way, I will check back in! Thanks to everyone for your help and welcomes.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
good luck!  PS: If the dealer's eyes bug out and he offers you $500 on the spot, tactfully decline. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 10,047 |
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Posted 08/27/2008 10:48 pm
0828200809330.jpg
