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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1976 Kennedy Half dollar with head printed on both sides

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Expert: - 9/11/2007


Question
I have a 1976 Kennedy half dollar that has the head printed on both sides of the coin and I am wanting to know the value of this coin.


Answer
Hi Lani,

You have a privately manufactured trick coin, known as a Magician's Coin, made by altering two normal coins and gluing the pieces back together.

The dies used to make coins are designed so that heads side dies will only fit into the heads side part of the coin press and tails side dies will only fit into the tails side of the press -- it's impossible for two heads side dies to be in the press at the same time.

Use a 10X or stronger magnifier to examine the area just inside the raised rim on both sides of the coin.  On one side or the other you are sure to find a seam where the two altered coin pieces were fit together.

These novelty items sell regularly for a couple dollars.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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