Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/27/2009

Question
 I have a quarter that has a flaw in the metal that covers the date . Also on the back of coin at the top the stamp is raised on the word united . The only solo letter is on front bottom right  :P: IS THE LETTER .The head of washington and the head of eagle on back are oposite of each other .my question is how do i locate the value of this coin if i cant see the date of it ?

Answer
Hello Charlie,               

Hard to say what happened to your coin without seeing it. There are coin shops in your area that can help for free.

This may not an error coin; it might have been altered after being made correctly. There are no actual defective coin dies with the problems you describe. If anything it is a mechanical defect during manufacture, these coins are not highly sought after by collectors. They have only a novelty value.  

It is possible if the coin is a multiple struck error that the coin has an additional image from the second strike.

This usually happens on less than half the coin. The value increases with the number of strikes the coin has had.
This occurs when a finished coin goes back into the press and is struck again with the same dies.

If the second image pressed into the coin is reversed it is called a Brockage Error, or is blank where the edge of a coin got stuck it is not the same type of error.

These coins can sell from $2 to $10 except for a very rare brockage error.

For more information on errors look for the "The ERROR COIN ENCYCLOPEDIA" by Arnold Margolis

I also want to mention COMBINED ORGANIZATION of NUMISMATIC ERROR COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION; they are the ultimate experts in the error coin field.  
CONECA is a national numismatic organization devoted to the education of error and variety coin collectors. CONECA focuses on many error and variety specialties, including doubled dies, Re-punched mint marks, multiple errors, clips, double strikes, off-metals and off-centers just to name a few.

For a local coin person you can write me back with your approximate location. Just some zip codes in your area, and the nearest large city I will get you names of Professional American Numismatic Association member/dealers, in your area.

Please note that all ANA members and dealers are bound by our "Code of Ethics." In general, coin dealers are also involved with numismatic clubs and will be acquainted with other collectors in the area. Most will be happy to refer you to someone who specializes in the type of coins in the collection.

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If there any more information you require on this question just ask.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack