Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Indian head nickel

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Expert: - 9/5/2011


Question
I have a Indian head nickel with indian heads on both sides.  On one side it is date 1937 and on the other it is dated 1936.  The dates are in the lower left of the coin and the word Liberty on the upper right side.  This looks old and worn but still good clarity of the design and writing.  Is this for real?  What would this be worth?  Thanks for your help....

Susan

Answer
Susan,

This is a manufactured novelty item known as a Magician's coin -- made by altering two normal coins and gluing the altered pieces back together.  Found everywhere in magic shops and on eBay, these are worth a couple dollars as a novelty item.

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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