Here’s how to tell if a coin is missing a clad layer:
- Color: A coin missing a clad layer will often appear off-color, typically resembling a copper or bronze hue rather than the usual silvery appearance. This is because the underlying copper core is exposed. However, it is important to note that environmental damage can also cause discoloration, so it’s not the sole factor.
- Weight: Weighing the coin is a crucial step in determining a missing clad layer. A coin missing a clad layer will be noticeably lighter than a normal coin of the same denomination. For example, a quarter should weigh 5.67 grams, but a quarter missing a clad layer might weigh around 4.7 grams. A significant difference in weight is a strong indicator of a missing clad layer.
- Surface Texture: The exposed copper core of a missing clad layer coin might have a different texture than the smooth, silvery surface of a regular clad coin.
- Rim Examination: Inspecting the coin’s rim can also be helpful. If a clad layer is missing, one side of the rim might reveal the copper core, and potentially have an uneven, trench-like appearance.
- Compare to a Standard Coin: Comparing the suspected error coin side-by-side with a known standard coin of the same type and year can help you spot differences in color, weight, thickness, and rim characteristics.
- Professional Assessment: If you suspect you have a missing clad layer error, it’s always best to have it professionally authenticated and graded by a reputable coin grading service. They have the expertise to definitively identify such errors and assess their value.
What does a missing clad layer look like?
I can help with that. A missing clad layer is a coin that has one of its outer nickel layers missing from the copper core. As a result, the typical missing clad layer coin will be copper on one side and nickel on the other. It also will weigh roughly 15% less than a normal coin.
How to tell if a quarter is missing clad?
I can help with that. A normal missing-before-strike clad error should weigh a full gram less than a normal quarter. The reason it’s not full weight (5.67g) is that the right side shows a taper. This is consistent with this blank being derived from an area near the leading or trailing end of the clad strip.
What does a clad coin look like?
Some coins are sandwiches…
This is called a “clad” coin. The layers of a clad coin are like a sandwich. The quarter and dime have a layer of copper inside layers of a nickel-copper mix. On the outside of a quarter –the bread– is a nickel-copper mixture that is silver in color.