Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/25/2010

Question
I have found a miss-struck quarter seemingly from the state quarter series that has a properly stamped head side, but the tails side is simply missing. Not shaved or ground off. It's just blank, with the granularity of texture one associates with raw sheet metal. I was wondering how much such a coin would be worth? I'd like a good ball-park figure to work with if I sell it. The head side is in very good condition, and came out of a bank roll.

Answer
Hi Dave:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.

When asking a question, especially with errors, always provide as much information about your piece as possible. This helps to pinpoint what you may have. Attaching a photo would also help. I'll answer your question as best I can. If you want to ask a follow up question by providing more information, I'll revise my answer or add to it as required. Major state quarter errors are very collectible and sometimes valuable.

Your coin could genuine, as well as altered after it left the mint. This type of  error can happen if a split clad shell entered the die chamber along with your blank planchet quarter, causing the reverse not to be struck on your blank, but the clad shell. Another "real" error possibility would be a blank that split after it was struck. In your case, the reverse clad layer of the quarter breaking away from the struck coin. You should see some indication of the reverse image on your piece for this type of oddity. It also could have been ground down after it was struck. In this case, the edge of the reverse side should be sharp and not rounded. To establish what it is you need to measure it against a normal quarter for both weight and thickness. Is your coin lighter and thinner?

As far as value, it would depend on the condition of the coin and the type of error. Circulated split after struck state quarters would be worth about $50 to $75. Uncirculated errors could bring $150 to $350 to an interested collector. A state quarter struck from a split clad blank reverse would likely bring about $100 in circulated condition and up to $500 in Uncirculated condition. If it was ground down after it left the mint (altered), it is an interesting conversation piece, but has no added numismatic value.

I've provided two links for you to see what type of other non-error coins exist.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

Check ebay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed. You may also want to check out these links on error coin values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/USErrorPrices.asp
http://www.minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

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

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.