Expert: Ronald Fern - 6/8/2011

Question
I have a 1967 dime that is unusual and I wonder about it's value. The dime is in excellent condition and the imprints on both sides seem normal, however there is no inital beside the date that indicates where it was minted.  The unusual part is the rim of the coin.  The rim extends past the front and the back and does not have the ridges on the edge that dimes usually have.  Also the rim has a larger than usual amount of copper showing.  The feel of that strange rim on the dime is quite unique. I would appreciate any input you can give me.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Katie:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

When asking a question, especially with errors, always provide as much information about your piece as possible. This helps to pinpoint what you may have. Attaching a photo would also help. I'll answer your question as best I can. If you want to ask a follow up question by providing more information, such as the size, thickness, or metal composition of your coin, I'll revise my answer or add to it as required.

The easiest way to tell if your coin is struck on a normal clad dime blank is by comparing it to a known clad coin. Prior to 1965, the Roosevelt dimes were 90% silver. On a clad coin, you can see the copper band around the edge of the coin. With no reeding, your coin may have been ground down after it was struck, and would be considered altered. It would weigh less and have no added value. It also could be broadstruck, which means the retaining collar that puts reeding on the coin did not function. It would be slightly larger in diameter than a normal coin with reeding, but weigh the same.

Here are the specifications for the clad dime: Diameter: 17.9 millimeters  Weight: 2.27 grams (CuNi-clad) Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel bonded to pure copper Edge: Reeded

More dime data: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dime_(United_States_coin)

Sometimes you can think 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

You may want to check error listings on eBay in the US coin category from time to time to see if your piece is listed what it may bring.

For examples of errors and their values, see:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/userrorprices.asp
http://minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. 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.