Expert: Dan Moore - 12/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a nickel that hat the the Tomas Jefferson head on one side and the other side is completly smooth, and doesn't look as if it has been filed at all, just normal use.
It is a 1995 D

ANSWER: Patrick,

Seems like I am getting asked about these blank side coins almost daily now.  They are definately not coming from the mint that way -- it's not possible to have a blank side and still be normally shaped -- it would have to be liked warped out of shape from not being in the collar when struck.

Your coin has to have been mechanically milled down on one side -- most likely for use in a magician's coin, or just to cause controversy.  It has no collector value.

Dan


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

QUESTION: I don't think it has been ground down on the back side because if you scratch you finger nail against it, it is like a lip on the edge.
thanks

Answer
While it may still have a rim, that doesn't preclude it from having been milled down inside the rim.

The way coins are made, the only way to get a blank side is to have more than one blank in the press, and they must be perfectly alligned.  However, when struck, being out of the retaining collar, they will get squished out into irregular shapes.  So you see it's not possible to get a normally shaped nickel with a blank back.

The only other thing I can suggest is to take it to a local coin show and have it examined first-hand.  Try checking the following websites for listings of local shows :

www.coinshows.com

www.coinworld.com

I hope this helps,

Dan