Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/15/2007

Question
We have a hollow (only the head side) of a 1974 nickel. I did a little research and discovered that the FBI in the 50's discovered hollow 1948 Nickel, which through the course of an investigation, determined that the nickel was used by a Russian spy. Do you have any knowledge of a 1974 hollow nickel????

Answer
Hello Robert,                                                                         

Although it may be a smugglers coin for microfilm it is very unlikely.

The way coins are produced the Anvil or bottom die is stationary below the collar that holds the loaded one cent blank.
The coins are fed into the collar very fast after the raised edge is rolled (the rim) imparted to the blank. If a coin was stuck on the anvil die when the Hammer die came down it would have imparted the design on both sides of the coin.

If it has the raised rim complete on both edges this disfigurement must have happened after it left the mint and is therefore worthless. It is a defaced coin.

Possibly done on purpose I have seen trick coins where a US coin is inserted into another coin after it is hollowed out. For example a dime is inserted into a penny or a two headed coin is made.

Sorry I cannot be more help. If you still thing it is a minting defect you can write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near you. They are ethical and trustworthy. Or there is also help at most coin shows.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack