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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/U.S. nickel
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Question
I have a U.S.nickel that has a head on each side of the coin, instead of the nornal head and tail. One side of the coin is dated 1994, the other side is dated 1996. Is it possible for this to be an authentic U.S. misprinted nickel? I have examined it closely and can not see any signs of tampering.
Thank you for your help.
Susan
Susan,
I'm sure that it is not authentic -- coin dies are destroyed after use, so it's impossible to for dies dated 2 years apart to be in existance, and you also cannot fit 2 obverse dies into the stamping machine -- only 1 obverse die and 1 reverse die will fit.
You have a manually manufactured novelty item known as a magician's coin. Modern methods make it very difficult to tell with the naked eye.
If you take a strong magnifier, and examine the area just inside the raised rim on both sides of the coin, I'm sure you will find a seam on one side of the coin, where the two altered pieces are fitted together.
Value is a couple dollars.
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
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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