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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/New Nickel error
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Question
Attached is a picture of a nickel I discovered was in my cuppholder in my car. What is the line called, and how much might it be worth if I could find a buyer?
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Hi Jonathan:
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. 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. You don't mention the date of your coin. Date, mint mark and condition help establish the value of your potential error coin.
From your photo, it is likely that your coin is struck on a planchet with a lamination. Laminations happen when gas becomes trapped in the planchet material. When it is rolled to the proper thickness for blanking, the gas bubbles become thin and cause metal separation. Sometimes this separation comes to the surface and can flake or split off in places.
It also could be damaged or altered after it left the mint. Altered coins have no added numismatic value. A real lamination like yours would likely retail for $3 to $5 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.
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Answers by Expert:
Ronald Fern
Expertise
I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.
Experience
Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.
Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG
Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News
Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964
BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968
Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.
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