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1920 wheat cent , planchett/ mint error
kgmd0000
Posts: 4 ✭
I recently fornd a 1920 wheat cent in an old roll of wheat pennies. It weighs 1.6 grams, its diameter is 18.2 mm and its thickness is 0.7 mm. Can anyone tell me what this coin is and what it maybe worth.
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It's an acid treated coin worth 1c.
As posted above, its acid/chemically treated
for PCGS. A 49+-Year PNG Member...A full numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022
Have you seen a coin that has been acid treated and lost half its weight and shrunk in both thickness and circumfrence but still retained all of the coins writtings legibly and maintained original patina?
On second thought, it's probably a rare error and you should send it in to PCGS for authentication.
Yes, we have.
When submerged in acid, all of the dimensions will be reduced.
What do you think is the alternative? Do you think the mint accidentally made smaller dies and smaller planchets and used them in a smaller press with a smaller collar? 🤔
There are other coins that have a similar weight and characteristics , and some are contributed to using the wrong planchets . I have looked and so far have not found a 1920 wheat penny like this coin. The acid expanation is an easy one but it fails to address several things such as the coin rim is not affected by the acid and neither the surface , since theres no acid errosion and pitting that goes with dipping it in acid..
any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Acid treated, a spender
As others have said (repeatedly), your coin is acid treated. If you have not found any other examples like this coin, then you have not looked hard enough: https://www.error-ref.com/acid-shrunk-coins/
Is it about the same size and dimensions of a dime?
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
I'm 100% convinced now. You need to send this in to PCGS for authentication.
Yes. I make them all the time. The acid uniformly dissolves the surface so the details remain although they get grainy (like yours) as it goes along.
I'm a chemist. I play with chemicals. I've dissolved them completely away in under 2 minutes with concentrated nitric acid. A more dilute acid will take longer and create less graininess. The graininess results from the surface bubbling (Hydrogen gas).
In your research, include all possible foreign planchets at the Mint in 1920 and see if they match up.
Or, make your own acid etched coin at home and convince yourself. Would you like me to make a 1920 for you? I'll let you pick your own weight for $50.
i found these examples of wheat penny that weigh 1.6 grams. Food for thought...
More acid damaged coins. Why is that "food for thought"?
Persistence does not always pay off.
God Bless, CRHer700
Do unto others what you expect to be done to you.
When I finally get tired of the curmudgeons on this board, I'm going to acid etch bags of coins and squeeze about 5000 coins in my vise as a going away present to y'all...
Perhaps once he has a fully graded set, they will create a registry category?
You, Sir, are just too kind! LOL!
Fall National Battlefield Coin Show is September 5-7, 2024 at the Eisenhower Hotel in Gettysburg, PA. Thanksgiving Battlefield Coin Show is November 29-30, 2024. WWW.AmericasCoinShows.com
Yes, at almost every show I work for ANACS. So, even if they were real errors and not acid-treated, they would be so common as to not command any value anyway.
As for acid treatment, it is used treat buffalo nickels that have had their dates completely worn off, as it makes the date legible again.
Lastly, Fred Weinberg is the hobby's foremost expert on mint errors, and several others who responded here are highly regarded as well. If you think you know more than them, submit it to PCGS or us and see how it comes back.
It sates my hunger to learn how many photos of acid-etched cents OP can post.
Will these be labeled from the Jmlanzaf horde or hoard?😀
Maybe someone was trying to make 1/2 cents.🤔
Back in the 50's and 60's kids would acid dip cents like these in science class down to the size of dimes and use them in soda and candy machines.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
No. They will be seeded in coinstars and parking lots throughout the Northeast.
But now that you mention it, I should sign my work. Maybe 100 years from now I'll be collectible. Perhaps a hidden alpha...