2006 one-cent Lincoln 180 degree rotation error

[A magpie collecting shiny things]

Hi all, found a Lincoln one-cent coin with a perfect 180 degree rotation error - it's a 2006 coin.

 

And funnily enough, I found it in Australia...!!

 

Unfortunately it's not in real good condition, a bit stained and all.

 

Anybody know anything about these? Is it worth me hanging on to or selling?

 

My second rotation error since I started looking three months ago - I'm quite chuffed!

 

Cheers!

 

Nick

[ccg]

Is it rotated 180 degrees compared to an Australian coin? If so, then it is actually a normal coin. The USA is a oddity in that it still issues its coinage using "coin axis" rather than the "medal axis" used by most countries today.

[A magpie collecting shiny things]

Well, I feel a bit silly That explains the exactness of the 180 degrees and my 'incredible fortune' of finding a rotation error straight off the bat.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

So is there a reason American coins are made to look 'right way up' when you flip them towards/away from you, as compared to turning them around like Australian coins? Seems a strange choice.

[ccg]

Various countries have used the two different types. Many countries used the "coin axis" for centuries. Medal axis became standard in the early 1900s, with the U.S. being a notable holdout.

 

As an example, Canada switched in 1903, so coins 1902 and earlier when turned around are up-side-down.

[edix2001]

I found a 1988 180 degree rotated reverse Kennedy half dollar in a mint set and traded it for a certified Proof 63 1950 Franklin half.