Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Misprinted half dollar

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Expert: - 9/4/2010


Question
My husband recieved a half dollar that has the eagle on both sides.  It is not pure silver.  It has the copper strip so not sure when it would be minted.   Since both sides are the eagle which is on the back of the half dollar, I can't tell what year or where it was minted.  I just wondered if you might know where I could figure out where it came from in some other way? Thank you.  I"m not sure if this is your expertise but thought I ask.  Thank you    Pattie Poenicke

Answer
Pattie,

That coin did not come from the mint that way.  It is a manufactured novelty item known as a magician's coin, made by altering two normal coins and gluing the two pieces back together.  If you use a magnifier and examine just inside the raised rim, on one side or the other you will find a seam where the coins were joined.

Available in any magic shop or on eBay, they sell for a couple dollars.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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