Mint Error

[Yessi-migration]

I currently have a 1997 silver penny, I want to know if it may be real. I am not sure becuause it doesn't have the letter that says where it was made like a P or D. I don't know anything about coins. So if anyone could help me or would like to see a picture just ask.

[Bruceswar]

post a picture oh here so we can judge and see it

[Dermott]

Without seeing a picture, I have several bits of info.

 

1. No mintmark (letter) means it's from Philly. One cent pieces are the only ones made without a P mintmark.

 

2. The cent is probably not silver, but is likely one of two possibilities...

 

Posibility 1: If the coin is about the same weight as a normal post 1982 cent and it does not show a ring of copper around the edge of the coin, then it is likely the piece is an unplated zinc cent (mid-1982 through current cents are copper plated zinc). Beware of removed copper plating.

 

Possibility 2: If the coin is smaller than normal and the edges aren't sharp, and there is a ring of copper around the edge, then it is likely the piece is a cent struck on a dime planchet.

 

I have seen earlier cents minted on foreign planchets of aluminum and other metals, however I do not know if this is still possible or not.

 

I hope that gives a starting point.