I've got a 1977 quarter with a gold back. Everything else appears normal. Is this a clad error? Any estimates on worth? Thanks for the help.
I would say you have a "manufactured " coin there. Look at the amount of wear on the obverse. Now look at the amount of wear on the reverse - looks like 2 different coins. And that's just what I think it is. I would have to say that someone took an old worn quarter and paired it with a well preserved gold plated quarter - then stuck the two coin halves together. As such - it is worth nothing more than a good conversation piece.
Sideview Thanks for your help. I'm not trying to doubt your reply, but I'm just curious as to how one would do this so effectively. Are you saying that they cut two different quarters in half and then somehow join them together? The coin is the same thickness as a normal quarter and has uninterrupted grooves cut all the way around on the edge. Thanks again for your help.
Yes - that is exactly what I am saying. It's quite easy to do actually - novelty companies make them by the thousands and sell them as magicians coins for a couple dollars each. The joint between the two coins is not found on the edge - it is found along the inside of the raised rim. Examine this coin closely with a 10x magnifying glass and I'm reasonably sure you see it there. As I said in my original post - the difference in wear - or the amount of detail on the opposite sides of the coin - should be a dead give-away. When a coin experiences wear - it is not on just one side.
