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 Replies: 22 / Views: 1,806 |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
This 1898 Indian Head cent coin/planchet appears to have a mirror reverse stamped over the obverse. A faint imprint of the reverse is visible on the reverse side. How would this happen and is it a common/known occurrence with 1898 IHCs? The coin/planchet is slightly thinner than an 1896 IHC that I have, and has a somewhat larger diameter. See photos. The 1898 also weighs somewhat less coming in at 2.98 gr on my Taylor, vs. 3.16 gr for the no-error 1896.      |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
 Looks like a vise job to me,not a mint error. Feel free to use the search box here on CCF for the key words,vise job. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Agree, vise job. to the CCF! |
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New Member
 United States
6 Posts |
I can see how the mirror of the reveres could be created post mint. How would a vise job create a near-planchet reverse and still preserve the obverse?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5670 Posts |
It was pressed against the back of another IHC on the obverse, and a much harder metal on the reverse, perhaps even the vise itself. |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
That makes sense. So help a newbee out, these are essentially fakes that are made to appear like mint errors? Do they have any value (beyond the price of copper)?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1502 Posts |
Well not a fake per se as there is no way the mint produced it - so nothing to counterfeit.. More like a scam as unsuspecting ebay buyers tend to create a market for it. I swing a metal detector and have a knack for finding dirty old coins. Dirt coin restoration projects - https://www.prodetecting.com/restorationsDirt coin restoration blog - https://www.prodetecting.com/blog/ccawDirt coin dig videos - https://www.youtube.com/@prodetecting |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
No added value above copper value,and it is against the law to melt it. John1 |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Thanks for all of the responses. I'm finding a lot of good information on these forums.
John 1. It's illegal to damage coins too, isn't it?... I'm guessing this crook's already underground. Coin was in an estate for quite a few years before I got it.
Thanks again, and I'll keep looking for more coins for you to opine on.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I don't believe it's illegal to damage coins per se.
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Moderator
United States
188342 Posts |
to the Community! |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Thanks CoinFrog! I'm enjoying it. Per Google, for whatever that's worth: 18 U.S.C. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. There's a cafe in Decorah, IA what has the floor covered with Lincoln pennies (and epoxied). I've debated sitting down in the entrance and having a look for any rares, albeit, well worn. |
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Moderator
United States
188342 Posts |
Quote:Per Google, for whatever that's worth: 18 U.S.C. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. The word "fraudulently" does all the heavy lifting here. You can do anything to a coin as you do not intend to commit fraud. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19154 Posts |
Yes, the fulcrum here is 'fraudulently'...
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
What about counter-stamped coins? Aren't they defaced? Yet they're openly sold online and in coin shops.
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Moderator
United States
188342 Posts |
Defaced? Yes. Illegal? Not until you use them to commit fraud.
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Replies: 22 / Views: 1,806 |
Posted 11/14/2024 09:59 am
