Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Error Coin or Wear?

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/3/2010


Question

coins1, coins2, coins3
Mr. Fern,
A few years ago my Grandfather gave me a lot of coins, some old, some new.  I noticed that this particular Morgan Silver Dollar appeared a lot different than the others.  I took the coin to a dealer / buyer in town.  After weighing the coin he said that it was 3 grams lighter than the one next to it, that both were obviously Morgan Silver Dollar coins; and that he was unsure if it was wear or a misprint.  It is thinner than the other coin, and the vertical stamps around the coin are also not very definite.  I have looked at many error coins on the websites that you and others have recommended to others with coin error questions.  I am unsure if what this coin represents is planchet, Die or Strike error, or maybe even wear.  I have attached some pictures of the 2 coins.  If better quality pictures would help please let me know and I can get some to you with no problem.  I am also unsure as to where to go to read your reply on the web site; would it be possible for you to email me at ?  Do you think it would be possible to wear 3 grams off of a silver dollar? What do you think about the coin? Sorry for asking so many questions.  
Thank you for your time.


Answer
Hi Adam:

Thanks for your question. Only one photo, an edge shot of two coins came with your question. I can not give you a definite answer with what information you provided. My e-mail address is coingye@yahoo.com. You can send the extra photos there, and we'll try to figure out what you may have. The 3 gram variance is within tolerance of both planchet manufacture and wear. You get an automatic response and answers are on the same website, under answered questions.

Here are some examples of coins either being altered or damaged.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

Here are two sites to check actual real error values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/userrorprices.asp
http://minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what this type of item may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.