Expert: PAPAJACK - 1/6/2007

Question
I have what looks to be either a Gold or Copper 1984 Quarter! It is exactly like a normal quarter`s markings only the metal is either Gold or Copper! Is this Real or A fony? It it of value Or just another quarter? TY Konnie

Answer
Hello Konnie,   

There were no records of gold, copper or brass colored quarters leaving the mint that I found.
There is a condition where the nickel layers have come off the copper core of the coin blank before it is stamped. But this usually leaves a thinner coin and the images are not strike that sharply.  

It is likely someone may have plated the coin. If you still suspect it to be a genuine error it needs to be checked by a specialist. If it is a genuine error, it will have numismatic value. but it cannot be estimated without a knowledgeable coin person seeing it. A photograph would not really help with this.

For testing, first check the specifications on the coin. A weight of 5.67 grams and 24.3mm round diameter. If it is anything else and we don’t have a quarter blank used here.

If the coin is the correct size and within the weight tolerances of a normal quarter there are a few possibilities.

It may be polished after the coin left the mint. With certain polishing mediums a silver, gold or brass look can be achieved. I have even seen cents cleaned in silver cleaners that change their color to darker hues.

Or it was more probably plated or contaminated with another metal. The nickel/copper alloy takes plating well but if you magnify the (fillet) area where the raised lettering is you will find a build-up of the plating material.  

Things like this are worthless to collectors. It is likely just a novelty or collectors item. Most coin shops and all coin Shows Large or small will have people knowledgeable enough to identify this piece for you at no charge.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack