Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/27/2007

Question
I have a 1987 Quarter with the head and everything printed correctly--as far as I can tell--on the front, but the back is blank.  Is this worth anything?  I am just interested.  This happens to be the year I graduated from high school, so that makes it even more interesting to me.  I appreciate any information you might have.

Answer
Hello Tracy,          

It is very un-likely this is an error from the US Mint.
It is collectable as an oddity but not to a coin collector. Merely a novelty item worth less than a dollar.

More likely it was defaced somehow after leaving the mint.  When a coin is struck at the mint, the obverse and reverse dies strike simultaneously with the coin blank between them, making it virtually impossible for the coin to be struck one-sided.
Even if there was 2 blanks (on top of each other) fed into the press the collar should not hold them both on center causing them both to be improperly struck but possibly smooth on one side. But the punched side would not look normal, and usually off center.

I have been told this could happen at the mint only if the two coin blanks entered into the collar that holds them in the press directly on top of one another. when this happens there is often not a full strike on one of the coins.  
Each coin would then have only one side struck and the other blank.  They sell from 1 to 5 dollars for the cent.
This is an error that is not caused by a die but operator error and therefore not very valuable.

The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this. If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or a coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

Please remember to rate this answer at the bottom of this page. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack