Expert: Dan Moore - 2/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I found a 1995 quarter that is normal on the face and smooth on the back. You can make out some lettering and the body of the eagle. Is this just a ground down quarter? The picture is the best I could get with the camera I have.

ANSWER: Picture is pretty blurry, but I would bet it has just been ground down -- probably in preparation for use in a Magician's Coin -- there are alot of them out there.

Dan


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

QUESTION: I know this is unrelated but I have a large amount of old coins. I really don't know their value. Do you provide an appraisal service or could you recommend how to get them appraised? The local flea market has a coin guy but he seems a little seedy and I don't know his credentials. I ask you because, by reading all your Q&A you appear to have integrity and honesty. If you can't help me that is fine and I thank you for your time.  You can keep the compliment for free. Thanks, Dean.

Answer
Dean,

Unless you're in the Detroit / Toledo area, there's not much I can do for you.  If you are, email me directly at Working.Man@usa.net and we can figure out some way to get together.

Otherwise, the best thing I could suggest is to find a local coin show and take the coins there -- or take a good sample there.  Talk to a few dealers and try to find somebody you feel comfortable with.

Try checking the following websites for local shows :

www.coinshows.com

www.coinworld.com

You could also check the ANA website for official member/dealers :

http://www.money.org/ana_custom/dealer_search/dealer_search.cfm

I hope this helps,

Dan