Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/11/2008

Question
I don't know how to tell if this is a real gold dime or not but it is gold on both sides and around the edges. I'm just curious if this dime has any value to it?

Answer

Hello Victoria,                     

It is likely just a novelty or collectors item.
The D near the date is just the Mint-Mark letter from the Denver Mint.
It is possible this coin was cleaned in a contaminated wash solution at the mint. Perhaps after a batch of the new gold colored one dollar coins, and picked up the tint of color in solution.

This would have to be seen and authenticated but the value would be less than a dollar.

For testing, first check the specifications on the coin. 2.27 grams and 17.9 mm round diameter. If it is anything else and we don’t have a dime blank used here. If the coin is the correct size and weight of a normal dime there are a few possibilities.

It may be polished after the coin left the mint. With certain polishing mediums a silver, gold or brass look can be achieved. I have even seen cents cleaned in silver cleaners that change their color to a brownish gold hue.

Or it was more probably plated or contaminated with another metal. Coins take plating well but if you magnify the (fillet) area where the raised lettering is you will find a build-up of the plating material.  

Altered coins like this are worthless to collectors. Most coin shops and all coin Shows Large or small will have people knowledgeable enough to identify this piece for you at no charge.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack