Expert: Ronald Fern - 10/26/2011

Question
Hi Ron, I have little knowledge of coins but i have came across a 1971 $1 piece with, I believe is Eisenhower on the front and an eagle and the moon on the reverse. On the head of Eisenhower is a very noticeable lump or a bubble.  It is strange because on the reverse there is no evidence of it.  This could be common but I do not know, my father also has another coin with something very similar, he has collected many coins since he was young and he has never seen anything like this. I could send you pictures if you would like. Please let me know if these are rare and worth keeping.   Thank you, Kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin:

I'm guessing from your description, you likely have an altered coin or a coin that was in a fire rather that a legitimate error. A high heat concentrated on a clad surface can cause the clad to separate from the copper core and "bubble". This could explain why the reverse appears normal. Altered or damaged coins have no added value.

Similar questions have been asked before on "AllExperts". Go to the upper right and type in "bubble coins", and you will find a number of answers. Here's a link to one of the better ones: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/2008/9/quarter-10.htm

I've provided two links for you to see what type of non-error coins exist.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

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

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.