Raised pennies? 1 1

[LJefferson]

I am new and had a question about four pennies I have. One is from 2017 and there is a faint ring around the outside of the coin. Then I have two from 2018 that the ring is much more pronounced (one with the 8 sinking in a little because of the raise). The last one just has a scratch around the same area as the ring for the other pennies which is why I'm including it. Would these be considered errors? I couldn't find these raises on my other pennies.

Thanks!

[LJefferson]

The first 2017 penny

[Greenstang]

Those circles are from a coin counting/crimping machine. You will find them as the end coin of most rolls. They are considered as damage.

[James_OldeTowne]

Generally it's referred to as "counting machine damage".

[Conder101]

And you are both wrong.

Enlarge the pictures.  Those are NOT scratches caused by the wrapping crimping machine.  There ARE raised areas commonly referred to as "rim ridges: which are caused by die deterioration and is ether a erosion around the periphery of the die, or I tend to believe it is more likely caused by a sinking of the die face due to a problem in the hardening/tempering of the die.

[LJefferson]

This is fascinating! Are rim ridges common? 

Thank you for the help, by the way. This is very new to me. I've never noticed the process involved and history found in currency until recently when I happened to get a 1902 penny in my change, so now I'm trying to learn more about it. 

 

[Conder101]

Yes they are, especially on the copper plated zinc cents. It can be found on other series as well but is is MUCH less common.  Why it shows up so much on the zinc cents I have no idea.  Zinc being a softer material you would think the dies would hold up better.  On the other hand being a softer material the dies are also used a lot longer.  Die life on most coins is 500 to 750 thousand coins, on the cents it is 1 to 1.5 million.

[RWB]

RE: "Raised pennies"

"Penny Mills" This is persistent problem among sellers of pure-bread pennies. The ASPCtP is constantly on the look-out for penny breeders who raise their stock in improper or unhealthy conditions. This can be especially serious for copper plated zinc breeds that tend to have many problems with Intervertebral Bubble Disease – or IVBD. Also, penny pinching is not a sure test for IVBD or owner BVDs, or DTs.

Buyers should look for the respected "ANA" label of approval for penny breeders. This ensures the pennies were raised in clean conditions and that defective pennies have been removed for treatment. Buyers are also reminded that many states and localities have strict laws prohibiting retail stores from selling pennies raised by "Penny Mills." Pennies are "cute" but don't buy one from the Penny Store window - it might have IVBD or even be a non-pure breed commonly known as a "penny slug."

Lastly, be sure your new penny is kept bright and shiny by regular checkups with your local Numismatist.

Edited September 12, 2020 by RWB

[James_OldeTowne]

On 9/9/2020 at 9:05 PM, Conder101 said:

And you are both wrong.

Enlarge the pictures.  Those are NOT scratches caused by the wrapping crimping machine.  There ARE raised areas commonly referred to as "rim ridges: which are caused by die deterioration and is ether a erosion around the periphery of the die, or I tend to believe it is more likely caused by a sinking of the die face due to a problem in the hardening/tempering of the die.

... which in turn, should teach me not to give a photo a cursory glance before pronouncing judgement!  (Or at least, examine the larger resolution photos before forming an opinion.)  I concur with your assessment!