Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: I can't seem to find information on what type of error this coin is, or if it is one.  Could you please help me?  There is also no ribbed edge....is there a way that I could attach more than one picture when I ask a question?

ANSWER: Hi Marilyn:

Thanks for your question.

I believe you can only attach one photo at a time, but I'll check. You can send a follow-up question and attach another photo. With odd or unusual coins, it is always best to provide as much information as possible or a photo when asking a question. If you want to ask a follow-up question and provide a photo or more information, I'll revise my answer, if required.  The weight, diameter and thickness, along with the metal color or content would help.

I can't tell what you have from the obverse photo. Is the back of the coin normal? From your description, with no reeding, it is likely that your coin was altered after it left the mint. Someone may have removed the reeds. A real error with no reeding would be a filled die in the retaining collar or a broadstrike where the retaining collar failed to function. The broadstrike will be slightly larger in diameter than a normal coin. If you coin was altered by removing the reeding, it should weigh a little less than a regular one.

Altered coins have no added numismatic value. A real error quarter with no reeding would likely retail for $15 to $25 to an interested collector.

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: Here is a picture of the reverse of the 2003 Missouri Quarter I asked about earlier....I will also be sending a picture of the edge

ANSWER: Hi Marilyn:

Thanks for your follow-up question with the reverse photo of your coin. It looks normal, and not broadstruck. I'll look at the edge photo and give you my final opinion.

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

QUESTION: Hi Mr. Fern,

I bought a digital scale, I weighed the quarter at kg.  It weighed 6 kg.  
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Again Marilyn:

Thanks for another follow-up question. A normal clad quarter weighs 5.670 gm  (0.182 troy oz), is 24.26 mm  (0.955 in) in diameter and 1.75 mm  (0.069 in) thick. The weight appears to be within tolerance of your coin.

For more information, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter_(United_States_coin)

Thank You Again and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.