Coin and Paper Money Collecting/2 error coins

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Expert: - 4/22/2010


Question

Quarter with ridges on
Hello,

I have 2 error coins that I would like appraised.

One is a quarter with a smooth outer edge and ridges on the face. It appears it was put through a ridge machine meant for a dime rather than a quarter.

The other a 1976 D silver colored penny (it appears to be the same composition of that of a quarter or nickel.)

Answer
Thanks for the question.

It is difficult to answer your question without photos or seeing the coins, but I'll try. If you want to ask a follow-up question by providing additional photos of the coins, or more of a description, I'll modify the answer, if required.

Your first coin, with the photo provided, is not a real mint error. This would be classified as an altered coin, done after it left the mint, and it would have 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

The second coin (1976D cent) may be plated, and considered to also be an altered coin, or it may be struck on a dime blank or coin blank from a world country. This US mint did take on striking coins for other countries during this time frame. The key would be the coins characteristics.

What you should do to help evaluate your coin: (1) Compare the diameter and thickness to a "normal" cent; (2) Weigh your coin to a cent struck around 1976 made of copper; (3) View coin under magnification to try and determine if your piece may be plated; (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?

As far as value, that of course depends on the type of error and condition of the coin. (1) A plated coin would have minimal value, maybe $1 to an interested collector; (2) A coin struck on a clad dime planchet blank, up to $500-$1000, or on a foreign blank, $300-$500, depending on condition. You may want to check ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see what these errors are going for. 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

You should consider getting the coin authenticated professionally. IGC, NGC, and PCGS slab and grade errors. You would get a better price for the coin in a large auction. Some dealers would likely pay no more than 50 to 60 percent of retail for the coin to resell it. 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. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. 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.

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