Coin and Paper Money Collecting/copper tail dime

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Expert: Dan Moore - 6/19/2009


Question
i have a 2001 dime that is silver colored head and copper colored tail. any ideas.

Answer
Nestor,

The Mint takes long strips of copper metal and applies an outer layer of silvery-looking copper/nickel alloy to them.  From these strips they then cut out the coin blanks (planchets) for dimes (or quarters or halves).

Sometimes these strips do not get their full coating of copper/nickel, either on one side or both, which leaves the underlying copper core exposed.

This is a popular and sought-after error on state quarters -- not so much on dimes.  I would estimate value at $5 to $10

I hope this helps,

Dan

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Dan Moore

Expertise

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.

Experience

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.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
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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