is my quarter worth anything?

Question

i have a quarter (year 2000 New Hampshire)
that is copper on the heads side and silver on the tails side.
could it be worth anything besides 25 cents?

Answer 1

You could have one that is missing one of the copper-nickel clad layers. It does happen. Chemicals can also give that appearance and is actually damage. Take it to several coin dealers and get their opinion. Someone really needs to see it.

Answer 2

You could have one of two things. First (and more likely) you have a dirty/tarnished/toned coin. This coin would be essentially worthless. On a less likely note, you could have a coin that is missing part of a clad layer. If your coin is the latter it could be very valuable.

Here's one example of a missing clad layer:
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19833

1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.

2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp

3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.

Good luck!

P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.

When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.

Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.

If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!

I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.

Answer 3

The fact that it is 50 yr. old would mean that it is silver and would be worth a premium on that basis. Maybe $2 or so. Otherwise it would depend on its exact year, mint mark and condition. You could take it to a coin store or possibly find a site on line with value listings, year by year, of various coins. 50 yr. is rather recent by coin standards so it is most likely worth only its silver content premium.

Answer 4

Yes it could take it to a coin shop and have it looked at .And whoever look`s at it can tell you if it is a real quarter or if it is a joke coin made to look like that.And make sure that you take it to more than one coin shop. It could be worth 100`S or maybe1000`S of dollar`s if it is real.

I hope this can help you.