I know nothing about coins, so I wanted to ask someone who does. To me it all seems a little iffy, but please read on. Someone gave my aunt an 1865 Dollar coin with the same characteristics of a 1997 quarter. The coin is a heavy silver coin and it looks exactly like a quarter, except that instead of quarter dollar it says one dollar and instead of 1997 it says 1865. How can this be? It looks authentic, but to me, it is a fake. If you know, please let me know what could have happened. Was it made? Thanks!
2007-04-28 11:32:39 · 3 answers · asked by Jan 6 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
It is not a U.S. Mint issue. It is not a fake, for there is no such thing. It maybe a novelty item, or what is called a fantasy item. It also maybe a medal of some kind. If it looks exactly like a quarter on both sides, with no added wording and the same images with the motto's that are on all our coins. That is IN GOD WE TRUST and Liberty then it is a novelty item. It is not made of silver but copper/nickel like the quarter. I am not sure why they picked the date 1865 unless they wanted to make sure, they didn't end up in trouble with the Secret Service. Hope I have helped.
2007-04-28 14:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by Taiping 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The US silver dollar coins made in 1865 were 38 mm in diameter larger than todays quarters.
They had a liberty seated on the Obverse (front).
I am not sure what your coin is but it is not a US silver dollar from 1865.
2007-04-28 18:46:20 · answer #2 · answered by Vultureman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Briank, especially if it has President Washington on the front. We did not put any presidents on coins till the Lincoln cent in 1909. It sounds like it is lead (which explains the weight) with a light silver coating. What would be called a fantasy piece.
It is an interesting novelty anyway.
2007-04-28 19:30:52 · answer #3 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋