Coin and Paper Money Collecting/odd 1990 P dime back

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Expert: - 12/31/2009


Question
I have a 1990 P dime whose face is totally normal, as are the sides (silver, copper, silver). The back has a pinwheel design to it - absolutely nothing normal. In a few places, the indentation of the pinwheel goes down to the copper, I think.

I don't know if someone defaced this, or if it could possibly be a mint error.

Thanks.

Answer
Carol,

It sounds like somebody was preparing to use this coin in a "magician's coin".  They grind off the back and edges of the coin, then grind out an indentation in another coin, then glue the two pieces together to make a 2-headed coin.

Likely, whomever was doing this ground down too far on the back of the coin, and instead of discarding it, went out and spent it somewhere.

I am sure this did not come from the mint like this, and it has no collector value.

Dan

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Dan Moore

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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.

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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.

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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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