Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 2/11/2010

Question
I have a double head 1970 nickle with a mint mark of D on it. I live outside Jackson , Ms and dont know who I could take it to. Is it worth any money?

Answer
James, the most common reason for a double headed coin is that someone hollowed out one coin and put another inside it and glued them together.  These are commonly called magician coins as they are used in magic tricks.  Look for a seam somewhere on the edge where the two coins were put together.  If you see one, the magician coin is your explanation.  If you don't, it is possible there was a mint error in which case your piece could be quite valuable.  To verify, you'd need to check with a coin expert.  You could find one at a coin shop or coin show.  Try going to www.google.com and doing searches for Jackson Mississippi coin show and Jackson Mississippi coin shop and somethings should come up, Jim Lawniczak