Fake Cent?

[N-7290]

Hello - I recently purchased a 1997 Lincoln Memorial Cent, Off-Center. I was told it looks like a fake. I am not sure if this can be seen via photos, but any thoughts would be helpful.

[Petespockets55]

It looks legit to me. (It even has split plating.LOL)

It looks like it was a partial collar strike.
https://www.error-ref.com/partial-collar/

[N-7290]

Thanks you for your help!

[MintErrors]

Hello - I recently purchased a 1997 Lincoln Memorial Cent, Off-Center. I was told it looks like a fake. I am not sure if this can be seen via photos, but any thoughts would be helpful.

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weight size and composition on coins is everything. Prior to 2003, the U S Mint did not have very good quality assurance, so off centers escaped the mint on a regular basis. Most of the made it out via bags. Some of the people assigned to coin wrapping duties would sell any they found to dealers or put them up for sale.

Typically off centers that are certified and 45 to 60 or 70 percent off center are worth a premium. More so if they include a date. Some sales can be had for a coin like this. If it sells you might be able to buy yourself lunch from it. Errors have not been making it out of the mint for about 20 years, so these are only going to inch up in value over time.