There is a two-headed 1859 Indian cent in a third-party holder (PCGS, maybe?), which was the subject of some debate and several no-grades before finally getting certified. I believe it is considered a pattern.
There is also a two-tailed Washington Quarter which came out of an abandoned California safety deposit box, along with hundreds of other (ahem) "esoteric" error coins from the 1965-1970 era San Francisco Mint. It was certified as genuine by NGC, I believe they somehow ascertained the reverses to be from 1965.
There may be others, but those two came immediately to mind.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Is it safe to assume that the odds have to be very, very slim, though? So, if say, one was offered a two-tailed coin it damned well better be graded by PCGS or NGC?
<< <i>Is it safe to assume that the odds have to be very, very slim, though? So, if say, one was offered a two-tailed coin it damned well better be graded by PCGS or NGC?
Russ, NCNE >>
Very slim. Very, very slim.
IMNSHO any genuine two-headed or two-tailed coin had lots of help being manufactuerd and/or getting into a holder. I would never buy one off the street and expect it to be genuine.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I remember seeing an article about the two-tailed Washington quarter in Coinage magazine, I believe. If I remember right the coin sold for $100,000 to the same guy that was buying up all the certified Wash-Sac mules.
Besides the 2 US coins mentioned Byers has had about 6 foreign ones but I don't remember the details. Several of them were NG by NGC for cleaning. But yes, if somebody offers you a 2 headed coin you can pretty much count on it being fake.
Change that we can believe in is that change which is 90% silver.
Russ
Posts: 48,515 ✭✭✭
Comments
It was a Canadian penny though...
Tom
There is also a two-tailed Washington Quarter which came out of an abandoned California safety deposit box, along with hundreds of other (ahem) "esoteric" error coins from the 1965-1970 era San Francisco Mint. It was certified as genuine by NGC, I believe they somehow ascertained the reverses to be from 1965.
There may be others, but those two came immediately to mind.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Russ, NCNE
"Real" 2 headed coins
<<Each is Precision machined and made using two real coins>>
Tom
Judd 251 2 flying eagle obverse with no dates
<< <i>Is it safe to assume that the odds have to be very, very slim, though? So, if say, one was offered a two-tailed coin it damned well better be graded by PCGS or NGC?
Russ, NCNE >>
Very slim. Very, very slim.
IMNSHO any genuine two-headed or two-tailed coin had lots of help being manufactuerd and/or getting into a holder. I would never buy one off the street and expect it to be genuine.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
But yes, if somebody offers you a 2 headed coin you can pretty much count on it being fake.
Dates: 1904 and 1905.
<< <i>Now what was that Greek mythological creature with two heads? Surely that has to be on someone's coin from the Darkside, if not an ancient. >>
i believe his name to be "janus" one head looking forward one behind ...where we get the name for the first month...january.