Expert: Ronald Fern - 4/20/2010

Question
Hello. I have a 2000 South Carolina state quarter with the silver missing from the heads side.

I weighed other South Carolina and state quarters (0.18g) compared to this one (0.15g). There is a weight difference of 0.03 grams.

I found a picture of the quarter at this site: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-6328.html

Is there a way to determine how much this coin is worth?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Bret:

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. Compare the weight, thickness and diameter of your "odd" quarter to another state quarter.

You could have a split before or after striking planchet state quarter. The split before strike planchet would be smooth on both sides and likely appear to be under struck, due to the thinner blank. A split after strike would have a very rough surface on the copper side that had the clad shell split away from the blank. Another possibility would be a copper washed coin. The copper washed coin would be of the same thickness diameter and weight as a "normal" coin, and would have a strong strike on both sides.

As far as value, it would depend on the condition of the coin and the type of error. Circulated split before or after struck state quarters would be worth about $75 to $150. Uncirculated errors could bring $300 to $500 to an interested collector. A copper washed state quarter would likely bring about $3 to $5 in circulated condition and up to $25 in Uncirculated condition.

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.