Expert: PAPAJACK - 11/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I know someone that has a 2004 Louisiana Purchase commemorative nickel, and on the back the design is inverted, and written backwards. Is there any value in this by any chance, and what is the best way to preserve it?

thank you

ANSWER: Hello Douglas,          

I need to know if the normal image was struck on the coin as well.
If the original image was not present feel free to write me again for more information.

This reversed image is caused by your coins being pressed against another coin with pressure.

This is a mechanical defect, an altered coin and has very little coin collector value added.

The coin was made properly at the mint if both head and tail images are on the coin. Somewhere later it was squeezed against another cent and the image was imparted in a mirror image.

The mint dies that produce the coins are made in mirror image and can only strike a positive image design to the coin blanks.  So the only way to get a reverse image is from another coin. If the piece flipped in the mint presses it would have a reverse image on both sides.

Your coin may have some value as a novelty to an error coin collector (around a dollar).

You can take a look at COINECA.COM at http://hermes.csd.net/~coneca   "the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America".
They have searchable listings for all reported die errors and a search at the site may help you identify any more errors you come across.

For instance look at this in-collar error like yours made at the mint;
http://www.1793.com/ESOS070804Vol1No2.pdf

Thanks for the question.

Good Luck,

PapaJack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello PapaJack:

The head of the coin is normal, and the tail of the coin is completely backwards, as if looking into a mirror image. Also it looks upside down as the date is at the bottome of the coin with the axe and pipe(?) all appear to be upside down.
I personally have never seen anything like this before and was curious.

Thank you

Answer
Hello Douglas,          

This sounds like there was a coin stuck in the press at the US Mint and when the next blank landed on it one side was hit by a die and the other was hit by the coin that was there.

A specimen like this will have to be examined an experienced coin expert.

There were many alterations done to coins including machining them in half and reassembling them if you can believe it.

If real it is valuable and should be sent to a third party grading and certification service.  Like ANACS, PCGS or NGC. They will authenticate and grade it. They also place it in an inert plastic holder for protection. There is a fee for these services.

If you do think it is an authentic error and need help finding a qualified coin person in your area feel free to write me back for the information. I am happy to help.

If there any more information you require on this question just ask.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack