Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/8/2008

Question
I received a bi-centennial quarter for change the other day and when I tried to use it in a vending machine later in the day it would not work, it kept going to the coin return. I took a closer look and noticed that it looks newer than the 1990 quarter I compared it to. It also has a different sound when I clang it on another coin or when I let it spin to a stop on top of my desk. I was wondering if the U.S. mint might have made pure silver bi-centennial coins or could this be an aluminum quarter?

Answer
Hello Mike,                            

I cannot say why a vending machine would refuse the coin. The machine tolerances are set too tight if the coin is authentic. Great care was taken when the government changed the coin alloys to save money. The electro-magnetic signature, diameter and weight were all considered prior to any changes.

Does your coin have a Mint Mark below the date?
Does your Quarter Weigh the same as a modern Quarter Dollar?

There is a chance you have silver Quarter Dollar made in 1976.  None were made of pure silver but about 15 million were made using an 80% silver outer layer on both sides.

But all the Silver Issues should have a mint mark to the right of George Washington’s Bust on the front.  And the silver issue does weigh a bit less than the Copper/Nickel ones produced.

The Item would have to be seen to be accurately appraised. A photograph would not really help with this.
If you want a guy in your area to look at the coin for you just write back and let me know.
Be sure to mark your question as private.

I hope this information Helps.

Good Luck

PapaJack