Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/7/2008

Question
I got a 1981 quarter in with other change the other day....this quarter is gold colored...otherwise it looks like a regular quarter...the edges are a bit more worn than most quarters that I compared it to...
Any idea what I've got?
Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Betsy,                             

Thank You for selecting me for this answer. This is not a mint error.

This is usually due to contamination from different elements. Many cleaning solutions and even paint fumes can discolor the nickel coating on these coins. However, there have been private enterprises coloring the state quarters for sale.
Many are gold plated on all surfaces. This does not add value to the coin at all it is only a novelty. Coin collectors only want the coins as the US Mint made them in the pristine condition possible.
Since this is a modified coin, the value is questionable.

The amount of collect-ability for any altered or plated coin is negotiable only to a buy looking for it. Most coin collectors are purists and will pay more than face value for the common copper-nickel version with no wear or scratches. I have seen non-numismatists buy them and other people pick them up for the novelty of them.  

Recently I have seen Gold Plated 1999 Susan B. Anthony as well as Sacagawea and the Presidential dollars   at a coin show packaged with a Sacagawea Gold Colored Dollar coin. No true Coin collectors were buying them though.

These colored, Hallmarked, re-stamped or plated coins are a gimmick. And therefore have no added value.

Good Luck

PapaJack