1975 Penny Stamped WY ?

[TCosbyJr]

I was sorting through some left over clad from last years finds and found a strange one.

I was rubbing off the dirt to read the year when I saw something above the 1975 date. Removing more of the dirt it became clear, a rectangular box with the letters WY stamped onto the penny. (The dirt really makes it stand out on the penny.)

Flipping over the penny it is clear where it was stamped or something as there is a raised flat spot behind the WY.

Does anyone know what the stamped letters mean? Perhaps why it was done, or any ideas? I must admit I haven't found any coins beyond the typical lawnmower blade damage or "worm eaten" zinc pennies, so I am curious. I found this penny at a local city park last year with my Tracker IV.

 

[usarmychris]

it is from a special set made by a private company that stamped the outline of each state into pennies as a part of a 50 state commemorative thing. I have a 1974 penny with Arizona stamped on it.

 

[TCosbyJr]

it is from a special set made by a private company that stamped the outline of each state into pennies as a part of a 50 state commemorative thing. I have a 1974 penny with Arizona stamped on it.

Thanks for the quick reply. Interesting, after a bit of searching I found some like you mentioned.

Well at least the penny is a bit strange, and wasn't just another worm eaten zincoln.