Is Your 1990 Error Penny Worth Grading? My Numismatic Insights

I’ve been deep in the world of coin collecting lately, and a recent discovery of a 1990 Lincoln cent with an unusual feature got me thinking—specifically, whether such finds are worth the hassle and cost of professional grading. Let me share what I’ve learned from similar experiences to help you navigate this common collector’s dilemma.

Identifying the Error: It’s a Die Clash!

When I examined coins like this, the so-called “error” turned out to be a die clash. This happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike together without a planchet in between, transferring ghost images—like parts of the Lincoln Memorial showing up on the front. It’s a legitimate mint error, not just a variety, because it stems from an unintended mistake at the mint. For Lincoln cents, these clashes are fairly common and add a quirky charm, but they don’t typically boost value significantly.

To Grade or Not to Grade: Practical Advice

Based on my observations, I’d advise against grading a die clash cent like this one. Here’s why:

• Grading costs can easily exceed $30, while the coin itself might only be worth a few dollars in grades like MS-63 or 64 red.
• You won’t recover the investment since common errors like this don’t command premiums in the market.
• Instead, I recommend keeping it raw for your personal collection—it’s a fun conversation piece without the expense.

The Error vs. Variety Debate: My Take

This topic always sparks debate among collectors. I see die clashes as errors because they’re unintentional flaws, similar to the Bugs Bunny Franklin half or Morgan dollar VAMs. Some argue they’re varieties since multiple coins share the same trait, but to me, it’s a gray area where history and mint mistakes make them fascinating. If you’re into errors, focus on rarer types like missing mintmarks for bigger returns.

Mint Marks and Rarity: Key Details

Digging deeper, I recalled the confusion around mint marks, especially with the 1990 cent. The absence of a mintmark usually means it’s from Philadelphia and isn’t rare—only the 1990 proof without the ‘S’ from San Francisco is valuable. Here’s a quick cheat sheet I use for U.S. coins:

• Cents: No mintmark for Philly issues; exceptions like 2017 commemoratives.
• Nickels: No mintmark from 1938-1979; added from 1980, with wartime silvers (1942-1945) featuring a ‘P’ over the dome.
• Dimes, Quarters, Halves: Mintmarks added starting in 1980; prior issues lack them for Philly.

Always double-check for anomalies, as they can turn an ordinary coin into a treasure.

Grading Services: Lessons Learned

From stories I’ve gathered, grading companies like NGC can be hit or miss. I’ve heard of cases where minor errors were declined for slabbing but fees were still charged, which feels like a raw deal—akin to paying for a service you didn’t get. My tip: Only submit coins with clear rarity or high value, and document everything to avoid disappointment. It’s a reminder to weigh costs carefully in this hobby.

In the end, that 1990 die clash penny is a keeper for its story, not its slab potential. Focus on enjoying the hunt and learning from each find—it’s what makes coin collecting so rewarding!