2 Headed State Quarter

Absolution · May 13, 2013 7:43AM

Recently a buddy of mine got a quarter with 2 heads (both sides). He's assuming it is fake, however has anyone ever heard or seen of a genuine mint error that produced a 2 headed state quarter like this?

CaptHenway · May 13, 2013 8:28AM

<< <i>Recently a buddy of mine got a quarter with 2 heads (both sides). He's assuming it is fake, however has anyone ever heard or seen of a genuine mint error that produced a 2 headed state quarter like this? >>

Most two-headed or two-tailed coins are fakes, made outside the Mint by cutting down and combining two ordinary coins. The simple test for this is a ring test. Drop a normal coin on a hard surface and listen to the tone, and then drop the coin in question. If the tone is niticably different then you can assume it is a fake.

However, there were a few two-headed coins made in the Mints during the statehood quarter era, so it is not impossible. Just extremely unlikely.

errormaven · May 13, 2013 8:35AM

The only two-headed U.S. coin I'm aware of is an 1859 Indian cent. You speak of others, Tom. Can you provide a reference?

-- Mike Diamond

CaptHenway · May 13, 2013 8:39AM

<< <i>The only two-headed U.S. coin I'm aware of is an 1859 Indian cent. You speak of others, Tom. Can you provide a reference?

-- Mike Diamond >>

They were reported in Coin World. I have clippings, but they are not unpacked yet.

CaptHenway · May 13, 2013 10:22AM

Went looking. Could not find the box.

LanceNewmanOCC · May 13, 2013 10:29AM

.
there are several authentic us mint-made 2 headed coins albeit errors.

brockages come to mind.

a flipped strong double struck maybe?
.

PerryHall · May 13, 2013 10:33AM

Check the juction between the field and the inside of the rim for a seam.

silverpop · May 13, 2013 10:41AM

PMD

most likely someone was bored and glued two coins together

JamesMurray · May 13, 2013 10:43AM

2 headed quarters

errormaven · May 13, 2013 11:30AM

If we're speaking of mules, I know of one two-tailed dime and three two-tailed quarters (one of which is probably a pseudo-mule). And, of course, there's the 1859 two-headed Indian cent. That's it as far as U.S. coins struck by pairs of identical dies.

I'm pretty sure no other two-tailed or two-headed mules have been reported among U.S. coins.

You can, of course, get the appearance of two identical raised designs on opposite faces through other means. These striking errors, known as pseudo-mules, can arise in three ways.

CaptHenway · May 13, 2013 1:16PM

Maybe I was thinking of the two-tailed pieces. Sure wish I had my library back!

Absolution · May 14, 2013 12:09AM

Thanks for the feedback! Will tell him about the test.

FredWeinberg · May 14, 2013 12:15AM

Do the 'drop test'. Drop the coin on
any hard surface - the ring will be
very different from that of a normal
coin.

These man-man novelty items are made
by the thousands on machinery (I've seen
the process) or by other methods.

I'm certain your friend's coin is a magician's
coin/alteration if he just found it in circulation.

ricko · May 14, 2013 12:25AM

Thanks Fred (and the others who contributed).... these do crop up now and then. A fellow at work (in Seattle) had one.... could not convince him it was a trick/fake coin... not even two dealers (one at a B&M, one at a coin show) could convince him....some people just will not listen. Cheers, RickO

Overdate · May 14, 2013 1:19AM

<< <i>has anyone ever heard or seen of a genuine mint error that produced a 2 headed state quarter like this? >>

A 2-headed state quarter?

Which state?

Davideo · May 14, 2013 4:29PM

Unless he's just pulling your leg and is referring to the New Hampshire state quarter.

2 Headed State Quarter

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