Expert: PAPAJACK - 5/15/2009

Question
I received a 2002 Mississippi Quarter that appears to be the same gold color as a Sacagawea Dollar. I thought it may only be gold plate as I have a penny that looks the same but the copper is coming through the rim. The Quarter appears the same color throughout and has a few scratches on the front where I would think that if it was painted or plated the silver color would shine through but it appears to be gold color there too. Could this be a quarter on the wrong blank?

Answer
Hello Alex,                          

I have not seen reports of an off metal blank for the quarter you have.  

One key to having a plated coin is the fact you cannot see the copper on the side of the coin.
Even the Sacagawea Dollar has a copper core covered by the Manganese & Brass alloy on the front and back. It may have been plated after it was scratched or the plating may be very thick and take a deep scratch to penetrate it.

If you want a dealer to look at the piece for you just write and  give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes I will refer you to an expert in your area. Make your Question Private!

Thank You and Good Luck,

PapaJack