Hey everyone. I have an off-center strike penny and was wondering how to determine value? I have read that, coins with this error, are valued by the percentage off center the strike is. What are your thoughts and should I proceed in getting it graded? Thanks
Nice.. But keep it in the 2x2 No need to have it attributed and slabbed. They have a small premium. Your Cent is just a few bucks.
Paddy is right as always. These are certainly interesting. I am not an errors collector and I have two in my collection. They aren't uncommon though. There is a section in the Redbook that gives off the cuff values for these. You are correct that percentage off center and date verses no date can affect the value of these. But no, they don't carry anywhere near the sort of value that would merit having them slabbed.
The key for many off centers which makes them more desirable/valuable depends on many factors. For cents, consider these generalities: 1. Off centers with full dates are worth more than those with no dates; coins with partial dates where the entire date can still be determined are worth less than full dates but more than those with no numbers showing. 2. Generally, copper off center cents are worth more than copper-plated zinc cents. 3. Off center zinc cents that don't have any of the grey zinc core showing are worth more than those that have grey areas showing. 4. Off center wheat cents are worth more than off center lincoln memorial cents. 5. Off center steel cents or unplated zinc cents (missing all the copper coating) are worth than copper/zinc off centers. 6. Keep in mind, higher grades, number of contact marks, eye appeal, etc. can result if different values of one over another and affect these generalities. 6. Off centers with additional errors can change these generalities. 7. Uncommon dates/mintmarks for off centers can affect these generalities. 8. Mint Error News abd the Red Book have general values for off center coins. I agree with the others; you have a neat error but unless it has strong sentimental value (it was given to you by someone you were close who who has since passed away), don't send it in.
On other thing to add to JCro57's list 9. The further off-center the coin is the more it is worth to a certain point, usually around 50% off, then as it becomes further off-center the value begins to decline again. There is no need to have your coin slabbed. There is no question as to what it is, and the value is less than what it would cost to have it slabbed.
Thanks everyone. The info is greatly appreciated and noted. I can't help but feel a little smarter after reading your responses. Its interesting, as a new collector, how common sense goes out the window because of the see factor.....Thanks again
I haven't yet heard that more than 50% off center starts to cause it to decline in value, especially if there is still a full date. Anyway, here are a few from my collection:
