Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/8/2010

Question
I have an 1999 Georgia State quarter that seems to be missing the top layer of silver.  The coin is struck on both sides but it is copper on the top and silver on the bottom.  The coin's width is thinner than a standard coin.  I cant find any information on this type of error. Can you please explain?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Donna:

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.

From your description, you may have a split before striking planchet error, or a split after striking planchet error quarter. State quarter errors are very collectible. The error is likely the result of the blank not properly being bonded during the making of the clad planchet material.

The planchet material is explosive bonded together to form the sandwich type blank with the outer clad and center copper pieces. If the planchet material is not properly cleaned, it may not bond completely. The planchet may come apart along the bonded surfaces areas either during the planchet making phase (split before struck), or after the coin was struck (split after striking). In both cases, the coin should be thinner than a normal quarter and weigh less. A split before striking planchet error will have a smoother surface on both sides of the coin, where a split after strike will have a rough surface on the side where the clad shell split away.

What you should do to help evaluate your coin: (1) Compare the diameter and thickness to a "normal" clad quarter; (2) Weigh your coin to a quarter struck after 1965 made of copper-nickel; (3) View coin under magnification to try and determine if your piece is split before or after striking. A split before striking with have a smoother surface on both sides of the coin, where the split after striking will have a rougher surface on the side split off; (4) Drop your coin and a copper cent on a glass surface from about two or three inches, one at a time, and listen to the sound as it hits the glass surface. Do the two different coins sound the same?

The value of your error would depend on several things. The condition, and wether it was split before or after striking. Your piece would likely have an value of $150 to $350 to an interested error collector, with the higher value going to a split before striking error along with the higher grade coin.

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

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. 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.