Mint Error on 1922 Cent Brings a Pretty Penny
Question: I don’t really collect coins, but I hold on to those more than 25 to 30 years old. My question: What would a 1922 penny be worth, and is there a difference if it’s a 1922-D penny?--D.C.D.
Answer: More than 7 million Lincoln cents were minted in 1922. All were made at the Denver Mint and stamped with the D mint mark. However, due to a defective die, some of these coins were produced without a mint mark. The exact number minted this way is not known, but the coin, known to collectors as the 1922-Plain, is quite elusive--and expensive.
As an example, highly circulated coins with the 1922-D date, graded extremely low--good--are worth about $2.25. The same coin in the same low condition but missing the mint mark is worth about $90. It is important for collectors to make sure that a 1922-Plain is genuine. Some altered 1922-D coins are known to exist.
Genuine 1922-Plain coins are mint errors and scarce. An uncirculated specimen was just sold at auction by Century Coin in downtown Los Angeles. This particular coin is believed to be the finest known. It was graded Mint State 65 (on a scale of MS-1 to MS-70) by the Professional Coin Grading Service and sold in the PCGS sealed plastic holder. The price: $21,000.
Q: Last summer I received a brand new, crisp $10 bill. It is a series 1985 with a 182 printed on the back side. The ink from the back side has bled through to the front so that the front side has a complete printing of the back side also. Does this bill have an increased value? If so, where would I check into it further?--H.V.V.
A: Your $10 bill is an error and worth about $25. You’ll have to find a currency dealer (many coin dealers also handle bills) or an interested private collector.
Q: I have two $2 bills. The fronts are the same. The back of one has the Declaration of Independence. One has Monticello. The Monticello does not have In God We Trust. I also have two $1 bills; the fronts are the same. The backs are the same, but one does not have In God We Trust. Is there an error on the bills that do not have In God We Trust?--C.H.
A: The bills were made both ways, with the motto and without. The value of the bills are not affected either way.
Coin News
Six proof coins commemorating 1,000 years of Russian history are being marketed jointly by American and Soviet entities. The MTB Banking Corp. of New York and Mezhnumizmatika of the U.S.S.R. are joining forces in the venture. Only 7,000 complete sets will be available worldwide. Coins include a 1-ounce proof palladium depicting the baptism of Vladimir Svyatoslavich, who first introduced Christianity as a state religion in Kievan Russ.
The coin (pictured) marks the first time a major nation has issued a legal tender coin in palladium. There are also two 1-ounce silver pieces, a half-ounce platinum, half-ounce gold and quarter-ounce gold. Due to trade restrictions, the gold coins will not be available in the United States. Four coin sets (minus the gold) are $729.95. For information, call (800) 535-7481.
Three coins are being issued by the China Mint to support rare animals native to East Asia. The first gold coin in the 4-year series features the rare golden hair monkey. The two silver pieces feature the Chinese river dolphin and the crested ibis. Only 30,000 gold pieces and 50,000 silver will be issued. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the U.S. World Wildlife Fund. To order, contact PandaAmerica, 23326 Hawthorne Blvd., Skypark Ten, Suite 150, Torrance, Calif. 90505; telephone (800) 472-6327.
George Bush’s likeness will adorn the 1989 Inaugural Medal commemorating his taking office. The medal, designed by Mico Kaufman, will be produced by the Medallic Art Co. of Danbury, Conn. Medals will be available in 1 1/2-inch bronze ($12.50), 2 3/4-inch bronze ($29.50), 1 1/2-inch silver ($55); 2 1/2-inch silver ($180), 1 1/8-inch gold ($595), a set of 1 1/2-inch silver and 1 1/2-inch bronze ($77.50); and a set of gold, two silver and two bronze medals ($920). Medals are available from the Medallic Art Co., (800) 654-7316; Bowers & Merena, (800) 222-5993, and the American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Don Alpert cannot answer mail personally but will respond to numismatic questions of general interest in this column. Do not telephone. Write to Your Coins, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.