1990 Penny Die Scratch?

Looks like a die crack. Nice Find!

It is either a die crack or a die gouge (scratch). I am leaning toward a die gouge based on your pic. Looking at the magnified pic- at the right end of the large line, up and slightly to the right, it looks like another smaller faint gouge. As far as value goes, probably not much as the only die gouges that seem to carry a real premium are the ones in interesting places, i.e. Speared Buffalo nickel or Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters.

Well, IMO, what matters first is- "Is it a real error"? In your case, yes, a die gouge or a Cud would be considered real errors. Die gouges aren't worth much because many of them can be made. A Cud will be worth more since when a Cud occurs, the die face and shank have noticeably damage and they are usually taken out of service soon after. A die with a Cud will make alot less coins than a die with just a scratch or small gouge will.

Second question would be- "What are you gaining by looking through your change and rolls for modern errors"?
You gain the knowledge of what a real error looks like and the ability to distinguish a real error from post-mint damage, Machine Doubling, or other types of alteration. This can be an important skill to have when you are looking for something that potentially could be worth big money.

Third question would be- "What is the error worth to you"?
This is something you have to ask yourself. Some people scoff at the notion of putting something like a minor die gouge cent in their collection.
Personally, I have a 1981 cent with a die chip that caused the top part of the "8" in the date to be filled. I purchased it out of a dealer's bargain bin for 10 cents in 1983 when I was eight years old. I would never consider parting with it since it was the first error-type coin I purchased even though it isn't worth much at all. I still set aside minor error coins such as that one. Through years of looking, I have gained alot of knowledge and I still check my change all the time. Just because the errors you find might not be worth much, they still serve their purpose.

Just remember, continually looking through change for errors might allow you to be the discoverer the next major State Quarter error

Hi Guys

This is not a Die gouge !!!! it is trapped air under the clad layer,,you can check it by pressing on it lightly with the end of a tooth pick.

Sorry but these are not considered errors and are a very common occurance on the Lincoln Cent.

Rick

semvhu - Unfortunately I agree with metalman 100%. The test is to press the surface gently and see if the deformation goes away. These trapped pockets are very common on zinc cents coated with copper. Zinc is a highly reactive metal and a scratch (even a tiny one) can cause the surface below the copper to corrode.

Metal man is 100 % correct, that raised line is a trapped gas bubble in between the zinc core and the copper outer layer. This does happen and once in awhile they are listed on a auction site as a "pimple" Lincoln or some other fancy name to hype a common occurrence.

As to searching; for the relative short time that I have been a numismatic person, my luck at finding oddities has been more than exceptional. Since 2004, I have had six discovery coins (5 DDR's and 1 Mintmark variation) make either Coin World and /or Numismatic News. This is something that I enjoy doing and the more that you do it, the more familiar you will be with the design elements of each coin. That will enable you to spot errors and varieties a lot easier.

As far as the money end of it, most coin shops are not specialized for selling or buying errors and varieties, unless it is very, very well known and even then, their price will be far less than you think.

My suggestion; search not for the money, but search for the enjoyment and the education of finding the oddities. The more information that you accumulate, the more knowledgeable you will be and the better off to sell what you have.

WAVYSTEPS2003 aka BJ Neff

just a quick 100% agreement here with metalman and waveysteps.I've just been into this variety/error field going on three years now.however, learning something new most days adds to not only the enjoyment of 'finds' example; verses; thinking "oh I've found the big one" just later to 'learn' Not so big, to; really next to nothing. that helps stop disappointments and therefore i'am not discouraged as oft.'learning ' as waveysteps points out, gives YOU the knowledge to as the value of your 'finds' verses basing your knowledge/info on/from dealers who to base values biased on their business side.anyways the gas verses other possibilities is given away by these 'signs 'rounded top and sides not continuous (see between lower right leg of "N" ane the "E").also note irregular not real straight; a 'real'gouge would be real straight and continuous die cracks can be fairly straight the give away is that the top of the (gas bubble) is rounder than a crack would be this goes fo thr the sides of the bubble VS a crack would be. hopefully this helps some. as all ways read:always Happy Hunting P.S.concerning die gouges I'm aware of the curved wisconsin gouges however there is much debate over [deliberate "man made"]verses unintentional.? do you know of any other curved die gouges ?