What is the thickness, 14/32 centimeters? You say normal is 17/32 Centimeters. This isn't right. Could you repeat the thickness.
One centimeter is .394 inches so you are saying your half is about .200 inches thick or between 3/16 and 1/4 inch? Am I looking at this right?
Are you sure the mintmark is an S? As S mint coin would as mentioned be a proof, and since proofs are struck at a higher pressure, and struck twice, the edge tends to be THICKER than the regular coins. (The mintmark also looks unusually large in the image provided.) I was wondering about the possibility of it being struck on a planchet cut from quarter stock strip, but that would have a theoretical weight of 9.03 grams. Your coin is too light even for that. Can you see the normal layers on the edge of the coin? I suspect you can't since you ask if it could be missing the core. There ARE a couple of examples known of a clad coin missing the copper core, but to authenticate that is beyond those of us here. (Especially without GOOD pictures.) It would have to be examined in person by an expert
i guess the next step would be to drive 60+ miles to have a coin shop look at it (that's the closest place that might look at it for me, if not then i would have to travel about 100 miles). i wish i didn't have to, but this coin may be worth it. the closest "BIG" city is Spokane, WA, and that's 3 hrs 15 mins away (by car). hopefully i won't have to travel that far just to find someone to look at a coin. i don't really trust sending it to them through mail etc. because who knows what they would do (if they are less than 100% honest). i believe there is good somewhere, but don't trust it with something that may be extremely valuable.
I would suggest researching a dealer familiar with errors before going that far to have a dealer look at it. There are alot of dealers out there who are not knowledgable in error coins. You could easily get some bad advise. Also if you mail the coin insured what does it matter if it gets lost. Insure it for the value of the error.
Pyrbob is correct, most dealers have no really experience with errors and often can not identify them properly. This coin sounds intereting enough that it should be seen by an expert such as Alan Weinburg (Not sure of the spelling.) If you could see him at a show he would most likely give you a free opinion, and if he thinks it is something serious he could take it for further tests and study. Or you might try writing him, describe it the best you can and ask if he could look at it and tell you what it is. If he agrees then mail it to him. Of course the third option is to submit it to PCGS as a mint error for $50 plus shipping and handling both ways, and they will send it to Alan.
when is the next show in Pacific Northwest that he will be at? also, do you guys have any recommendations for error coin dealers in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland (WA)? that's the area that i would be travelling for the 60 mile range. if not, then i would have to go to Lewiston, Idaho. if no results from there, the closest place would be Spokane ( 3 hr 15 min drive)
also, you said "insure it for the value of the coin" .... how do i know how much it's worth if i'm still in the process of finding out what's actually happening with the coin in question? do i just give a guesstimate as to value?
You can insure it through your post office for $5,000 for not too much money... Even if there is something going on with the planchet I doubt it is worth more then that.
