Expert: Ronald Fern - 10/27/2011

Question
Hi,
I have a circulated 1952 Roosevelt silver dime that has an obverse that is a copper wheat penny. When looking at the side edge of the coin the silver extends approx. 70% and with a typical dime style knurled edge. The remainder of the edge is copper that is not knurled I can't seem to find any information on it. It feels and appears to have been circulating as a dime but I have not weighed it. Just wondering if you could point me in any direction to determine if it has any significant worth.
Sincere thanks
Greg

Answer
Hi Greg:

Thanks for the question.

Your coin is a "magic coin" used to trick people. It is an interesting conversation piece, and they usually sell for a few dollars. It has no added numismatic value. In your case a wheatback cent reverse coin was married with a 1952 silver dime.

It is virtually impossible for a coin to have two different metals or two different denomination designs, as the dies are different sizes and have design features that prevent this type of oddity.

If you have a magnifying glass, look closely at either the inside of the rim on one side of the coin, or the edge. The "magic pieces" are parts of two separate coins that have been cut up and glued or bonded together.

You coin will make a different sound when dropped on a glass surface (table top).
A true coin will have a "ring" to it, where the magic coin, being two pieces, will make a dull sound.

You may want to check Ebay listings under US coins in the error category (where they are sometimes listed) to see what these two-denomination coins 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

There are several books on US coins and error coins. I'd recommend the "Red Book" for US coins and "The Official Guide To Mint Errors" for oddities. Both are available online and larger book stores in your area, such as Borders or Barnes and Noble, should carry them or be able to order them for you. You might also see this link for the error club, CONECA. http://www.conecaonline.org/

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.