Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/7/2010

Question
I have a quater that looks like it overlapped another quater
when it was struck.Only the back half of the head is showing
on the front and on the back you can see where an other coin
over lapped it.On the date you can only see 198.
What would this be worth?

Answer
Hi Gary:

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 double struck quarter with the second strike off center, or an off center struck quarter. In either case, it is a one of a kind error, happening during the striking of the blank. With the double strike, the coin was first normally struck, but did not eject fully from the die chamber, and was struck again. In the case of the off center strike, the blank did not go into the die chamber correctly, and was struck off center.

As far as value, it would depend on the condition of the coin and the amount of the error that was double struck or off center. Circulated off centers trade for about $10 to $25, and double strikes $35 to $50. Uncirculated off centers can bring from $15 to $85, and double strikes from $50 to $175.

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.