Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/24/2011

Question
QUESTION: Dear sir: I have a 1965 reverse overlay roosevelt dime that i have identified through a website that i cannot find a value for?
I am very new to coin varieties, but have a keen eye for detail. Could you advise me on this coin? I have a quarter that has unigue overlays also,,,but that would be another question.:)

ANSWER: Hi Bob:

Thanks for your question.

With odd or unusual coins, it is always best to provide as much information as possible or a photo when asking a question. Does your coin weigh the same as a normal clad dime? Is it the same thickness? If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide another photo of the front of the coin or more information, I'll revise my answer, if required.  

From your photo, it is likely that your coin is not an error, but came in contact with a foreign substance, causing it to change colors on part of the reverse. I say this because it covers both the field and parts of the design and letters. As an altered coin, it would have no added numismatic value.

Sometimes people try and fool you into thinking you have a real error coin. Here are examples of coins either being altered or damaged.
See link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/page15.html
See link: http://conecaonline.org/content/OhNo.htm

Check eBay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed and what they 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
http://coinauctionshelp.com/page14.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. 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. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: WOW! That was FAST! Thank You! The coin weighs 2.3 grams, the dark areas are the age patena, just the same type of old build-up on a older coin, If I clean it I might hurt it?. I am enclosing more pics. I have many! I found this exact error on (coinauctionshelp.com, under dime overlay), but no value listed for 1965.
The pattern is the same. I was a printer for 25 years and have a keen eye for detail and hate to waste anyones time without confidence in my descriptions. To the right of my arrows the coin is incluse, the "raised" die crack that runs through the "L" in "pluribus" is bordering inclusiveness to the right and continues downword.
I look forward to your advise, or will provide more details. this is one exciting hobby!

Answer
Hi Again Bob:

The photo I got was the same reverse. I'm guessing you have a minor die crack. It has no real added value. Do not clean your coin. Only use warm soap and water, nothing more.

Thanks again, and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.