Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Double Headed Quarter

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Expert: - 3/27/2008


Question
I have found a double headed quarter.  One side has Washington 1998p, while the other has Washington 1981d.  There is copper visible along the edge and all of the edge grooves line up.
Is this real or one of those fake coins?

Eric


Answer
Hi Eric,

You have one of the fake coins.  It is impossible for a coin to have dates 17 years apart and different mintmarks.

These novelty coins are made differently than you are 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, but rather just inside the raised rim, on one side or the other.  Use a strong magnifier and you will see.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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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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