Annie B. writes: Hi Doc, First, I hope my english will be clear, I’m speaking french :-). I have 1 Penny from Jamaica (1940). It seems to be a special coin because on the second side (where the Queen Elizabeth II is supposed to be), nothing was “engraved”. Can you tell me more about that? I would appreciate to know if this is an error, the quantity of coins like mine and its approximative value. I didnt found anything in 5 years about that… Thank you, great site!
You have a 1940 Jamaica penny with the reverse planned off (removed). This was often done by jewelers in preparation for engraving a message on the reverse. The resulting piece was often used as a gift. Collectors call this type of altered coin a “Love Token”.
This piece might have been spent by accident before the message was engraved.