Coin and Paper Money Collecting/double headed nickle

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Expert: - 5/2/2011


Question
I was told that a double headed nickle is more than likely fake. I have one with the year 2000 on one side and 2004 on the other.Its a Jefferson. I looked to see if the sides were pressed together but cant tell. I live by Duluth MN, can you refer me to someone who could tell if its worth anything or even if its real. Thanks

Answer
Johnnie,

It's absolutely fake -- you don't even have to have anybody look at it.  The fact that it has two different dates gives it away.  The Mint destroys the coin dies immediately, so there's no way there could still be a year 2000 die still hanging around four years later in 2004.  That and the fact that two obverse dies will not fit into the minting press at the same time -- they are designed to fit only into one side of the press.

If you can get a strong magnifier, you can examine just inside the raised rim, on one side of the coin or the other, looking for the tiny seam where the two coins are joined.

These "magician coins" are sold in magic shops and on eBay for a couple dollars.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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