Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a U.S. 1976 quarter and it has the regular eagle on the back? Is it rare and what is the value? thanks Fred

ANSWER: Hello Fred,          

It would be worth a lot only if it was real! But, it is a fake probably worth zero.

There were none made with this die combination to my knowledge. Or that I could find on the internet.

Someone most likely has produced this coin outside of the US Mint.

Is it circulated or look new?
Does it have a small burr along the edge on the front or back?
Is the back of the coin upside down from the front?

There has been a bounty of bootlegged Two-Headed and Two Tailed coins around this year.

The mint started in 1975 making the Bicentennial Version coins. If it were possible the defect would also show as a 1974 obverse with a Bicentennial reverse. There were no dies in the mint to do this with that year.

Look carefully at the edge and rims on the front and back. Using a magnifier you will see or feel the seam where it was hollowed out and a new thinner coin inserted.

If in fact you cannot find the seam then feel free to contact me again. I will ask some others if they have ever heard of this type of MULE error. It would sell for a premium!


Good Luck

PapaJack


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello Papajack where there not any 1975 nonbicentenial quarters made? Thanks Fred

Answer
Hello again Fred,          

All the 1776-1976 bicentennial Half Dollar, Dollar Coin and Quarter Dollars were produced in both 1975 and 1976.
That is why you cannot find a 1975 dated coin. The mint started the Bicentennial celebration early in 1975.

I have never seen or heard of a Quarter Half Dollar or Dollar coin dated 1975 made in the USA.  
All were meant to be and were dual dated 1776-1976 for the bicentennial celebrations.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack