Expert: Ronald Fern - 1/9/2011

Question
I have a 1999 Delaware quarter, that the horse and rider is not facing you when the quarter is flipped.  It's at the 3:00 position.  I received it in change right a few months after it was issued.  I took it years and years ago to our coin dealership, who examined and confirmed it was genuine.  He offered to buy it, way back then for $50, which I declined.  I also called the US Mint, who did confirm that it was an error with the die cut.  I've kept it safe for all these years, and was wondering the value now?  And if at some point, I decide to sell it, should I place it at an auction house?  Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Hi Charlotte:

Thanks for your question. You sound like you have a Delaware state quarter with a rotated reverse of 180 degrees. Normal die orientation would make the reverse of the coin upside down when flipped. Yours sounds like it may be in the same direction as the obverse of the coin. This is the orientation for medals and not normal coinage. Dies have alignment features to prevent this from happening, but there have been cases where the die was put in improperly or the die worked itself loose during the striking of the coins.

Your coin should be looked at by an expert. A true error with a 180 rotated reverse could be worth $200-$500 retail.

Here are two sites to check actual error values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/userrorprices.asp
http://minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what this type of item may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Yes, you'd likely get a higher value for your coin in a major coin/currency auction. I'll provide you with several sources, should you decide to take this route.

Heritage: http://www.ha.com/c/index.zx
Bowers and Merena: http://www.bowersandmerena.com/
Fred Weinberg: http://www.fredweinberg.com/ (personal friend)

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.