Coin and Paper Money Collecting/DOUBLE HEADED QUARTER

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Expert: - 3/30/2008


Question

DOUBLE HEADED QUARTER
Mr.Moore,
I was sifting through my change jar and I found what I believe is a rare coin indeed! It has all characteristics of a normal " States Quarter "....(the new kind of quarter). At first glance it appears to be quite normal. While turning it I can see that it has the lines on the side (edge) and the copper color is there as well. Upon the completion of the turn I was astonished to find that there was no "tails" side, only an upside down head. Can you tell me if I should proceed with finding it's worth?
I am sending you the best possible image I can. It is taken in a mirror image context so that you can see the right side up head, upside down head, and the side/edge showing the lines and copper color. There is no date on this coin because the dates on the new "State Quarter" are located on the "tail" side. Under "IN GOD WE TRUST" reads the letter "P". Notice "QUARTER DOLLAR" on the bottom which is also the new version of Quarter where it used to be on the "tail" side. There is not much more I can tell you....the proof is in the Picture sir.

Answer
Paul,

I'm 99.999% sure you have a fake -- a manufactured novelty item known as a magician's coin.  The picture is not magnified enough to tell, but if you have a magnifier that's at least 10X power, you should be able to see the tell-tale seam.

These novelty coins are made differently than you may be thinking.  They do not cut the coins in half, but rather hollow out a bowl-like area in one coin and grind down another coin to fit within that bowl.  This way the seam is not out on the edge of the coin (so the edge lines are not disturbed), but rather just inside the raised rim, on one side or the other.  Use that strong magnifier to inspect the area just inside the raised rims and you will see the seam.

These novelty coins sell for a couple dollars on eBay or in magic shops.

I hope this helps,

Dan  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your time sir. I did find it to be a fake. How depressing......I could always make money by betting at the toss of coin I suppose. :)


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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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