Very Thin 1965 Lincoln Penny

[Keychainman]

I found this penny in a tot lot last month,and i thought this might be a mint error. the thickness of the penny is very thin. your opinions will be appreciated. sorry about some of the pictures.

 

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[VERMONTPACKRAT]

What is the date on the coin?

VPR

 

[AU24K]

Possibly struck on a dime planchet?
Scott

 

[DigginThePast]

It looks as if the very edge/rim of the coin is missing. This would make it look thin as the rim is raised above the field on both the obverse and reverse of the coin. Since the strike is not off center my guess is that it would have occurred after leaving the mint. Doesn't cost much to hang onto it though.

 

[Keychainman]

it a 1965, no mintmark

 

[hyperion]

Keychainman ... you need to focus!

It's impossible to determine from the side shots what may have caused this. Looking at the obverse and reverse pictures it appears not to be the result of an acid bath or filing. The U.S. mint used to produce coins for other countries who lacked their own capability (notably the Philippines and Liberia). Some times these blank planchets from a run would get caught up in the machinery and break free during the minting of a U.S. series. Only an expert would be able to certify this. You can do some investigating on your own ... you'll need to weigh the coin with an accurate digital scale. Once you have the weight and you are sure the metal is a copper composite, you can search the U.S. mint archives to see what foreign coins were produced from say 62-65. You'll be looking for something with the same weight as your piece and smaller in diameter than a U.S. cent planchet. If it was the same diameter, you would have a rim on your coin.

Here is a link to a coin dealer's listing for off-metal coinage. He may also be able to assist. http://www.fredweinberg.com/inventory/categorylist.asp?t=c&ID=6