I’m a member of several Facebook coin identification groups, and consistently we see inquiries about the value of damaged or defaced common coins, with amateurs asking if they are valuable errors. Here are just three in one 20-minute session on the platform, all common, all damaged, all worth face value:
All of these common date coins have significant damage, mostly caused by the environment.
There may be no way to stop beginners asking value questions about damaged coins. The thinking seems to be along this line: (a) I know what this coin should look like. (b) This coin doesn’t look like that. (c) Ergo, it must be valuable, (d) That’s what the internet states.
YouTube and Facebook feature many sites that hype error coins, stating they are worth millions. Here’s an example:
Chances of finding a copper 1943 cent in pocket change or any of the other extremely rare errors are close to zero. If you are interested in error coins and varieties, see Proxiblog’s comprehensive illustrated directory.
Another way to check is to use PCGS CoinFacts. Go to the denomination and date and click on the link that states “varieties.”
Let’s take the damaged 1983-D cent featured above. It has PVC damage, by the way: Go to Coin Facts. Find the date. Click on the link for errors and varieties:
Compare your coin with the varieties and errors: You will find that some of the copper planchets from 1982 somehow got fed through the press to create a copper 1983 D cent. You’ll have to weigh the coin. Copper cents weigh 3.11 grams. Copper plated zinc weighs 2.5 grams.
You’ll also find this error: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1983-d-1c-ddo-fs-101-rd/569360
As you can see, identifying errors requires special skill sets as well as time and effort. So when you ask a Facebook member to do the work for you, you may get a disappointing reply. Best advice is to assume your coin is not valuable, consider whether it has environmental damage or other flaw, and ask your question after some research.
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You can find more information about types, varieties, errors, grading, bidding and buying in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider buying or gifting the work for a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist blog. Thank you.
