Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 11/5/2007

Question
Hi- A cashier handed me a double faced Kennedy 1971 50cent coin for change. It shows the front of the coin on both sides. Have you ever seen this? Is this a misprint from the mint perhaps?- Thank you-
Jim

Answer
Most double headed (or double tailed) coins are magician novelty pieces that are put together by hollowing out two coins and fitting one into the other.  A seam will then show on the edge, so look on your edge and see if you see one.  These are useful in magic tricks.  It is remotely possible that this could be a mint mistake, if it is it is very valuable, to determine that, 1. there would have to be no seam on the edge and 2. you would have to have the piece verified by an expert at a coin shop or a coin show, for example.  Jim Lawniczak