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Unusual looking coins definitely raise a lot of eyebrows. They also raise a lot of questions.
With regard to strange coins, these are the 3 types of questions I get the most:
- I’ve gotten a lot of questions from people asking about old tokens they’ve found.
- I also get asked about big coins, tiny coins, and other things that look like coins but aren’t legal tender.
- Several people want to know what’s up with coins that are blank on one side and two-headed coins.
Are these odd coins even real?
Most of the coins I’ll talk about in this post fall into the category of exonumia — things that are related to coins but aren’t necessarily real, legal tender coinage.
Some of the coins I’ll talk about here are novelty coins — pieces that are or once were legal tender coins but have since been altered into some other type of coin oddity.
Okay, here are answers to the most common questions I get about strange coins that look real…
Token Coins
“Why does my coin have a picture of Chuck E. Cheese on it?”
Ah, yes… tokens.
While I’m not a token collector per se, I do have several neat old tokens, and these pieces are pretty neat to people who love nostalgia, retail history, or want to take a trip back to an earlier era of the tourism industry.
As recently as the 1990s, it was common for restaurants, grocery stores, theme parks — you name it — to hand out souvenir token coins. Often, these tokens could be redeemed for special offers — like a free meal, free admission, or something like that.
Even places like Chuck E. Cheese used to have tokens that you could use to play arcade games.
Many of these old tokens are collectible and are worth $1 to $5.
Rare tokens, such as those that were used during the Civil War era, are worth hundreds of dollars.
Big Coins
“I have a large Indian Head penny. Is it rare? What’s it worth?”
I’ve gotten this specific question more than a few times over the years. I actually own one of these replica coins, and I bought it for $4 at an old-timey tourist gift shop in Florida.
Large coins like this are neat-looking replicas, but that’s all they are. They’re not legal tender in any way.
Most of these big coins are made from base metals and aren’t typically worth more than $3 to $5.
Big coins come in many different designs. I’ve personally seen the following:
- Large Lincoln pennies
- Large Buffalo nickels
- Large Jefferson nickels
- Large Mercury dimes
- Large Roosevelt dimes
- Large Washington quarters
- Large Walking Liberty half dollars
- Large Franklin half dollars
- Large Kennedy half dollars
- Large Morgan silver dollars
- Large Peace silver dollars
- Large Eisenhower dollars
While none of these big coins are rare or valuable, they make great conversation pieces and look cool on the mantle.
Tiny Coins
“I have a tiny Kennedy half dollar. What’s it worth?”
On the opposite end of the spectrum are tiny coins that look like the real thing but are only a fraction of the size of their regular coin counterparts.
I’ve seen all types of tiny coins including:
- Small Lincoln pennies
- Small Buffalo nickels
- Small Mercury dimes
- Small Washington quarters
- Small Kennedy half dollars
- Small Eisenhower dollars
None of these were made at the United States Mint.
In fact, they’re tiny novelty coins. Some of them were made for doll play sets. Some are play money.
But those realistic-looking, mini coins that you may have are small novelty coins that are 100% true to the original coins they replicate — they’re just a fraction of the size!
I bought a few of these tiny coins just for the fun of owning some. They’re worth 50 cents to $1 apiece, and while they’re not rare (and certainly aren’t legal tender), they’re still pretty awesome to hold in the hand.
Two-Headed Coins (Or Coins With Two “Tails” Sides)
“Why does my nickel have Jefferson on both sides? What’s this two-headed coin worth?”
I always hate breaking the news to people that these coins aren’t valuable and, technically, they aren’t even legal tender.
These two-headed (or double tails) coins are usually fantasy pieces that were made by hollowing out the side of one coin right up to the rim and meticulously (and snugly) fitting another coin inside the shell.
Normally, two-headed coins are made for illusionists or people who want to win bar bets.
Exonumia coins like this are worth anywhere from 25 cents to a few dollars as novelty coins. But they aren’t rare, and you don’t want to try spending any as real money!
Coins That Are Blank On One Side
“My Lincoln penny is blank on one side. Why is this? How rare is it?”
Surely, coins that are blank on one side look pretty unusual. But in most cases they aren’t rare or valuable.
However, modern minting techniques make it virtually impossible to strike a coin that looks perfect on one side and completely blank on the other.
- NOTE: There are some real error coins that look weak or somewhat mutilated on one side. Different types of error coins like this exist, and based on the origin of the error are worth between $5 and $100 (or more).
Normally, when people ask me questions about coins that are blank on one side, the photo I end up seeing is a coin that looks normal on one side but has tiny grooves or striations on the “blank” side. That typically means somebody sanded away or sheared off the other side and later polished it to look like the coin was really struck only on one side.
Blank coins are real coins that have been terribly mutilated to look like unusual one-sided coins. Often, they’re produced for illusionists or people fascinated with fantasy coins or other exonumia oddities.
For the most part, these one-sided coins may be neat to look at, but have no monetary value in the general coin collector market.
Colorized Coins
“My American Silver Eagle is painted red, white, and blue. What’s it worth?”
Colorized coins are real coins that have been altered outside of the U.S. Mint.
Some private mints will colorize regular Washington quarters, American Silver Eagle coins, or other pieces and sell them as special novelty coins. While these painted coins are often beautiful works of coin art, they are not rare and aren’t valuable.
In numismatic terms, colored coins are usually worth only whatever the intrinsic metal content of the coin itself is worth.
For American Silver Eagles, which are one of the most common types of colorized coins, the value is whatever an ounce of silver is worth.
Must read: Answers To Your Top 3 Questions About Pennies – Wheat Pennies, Silver Pennies & Gold Pennies
As always, feel free to post any photos of unusual coins, tokens, or other money-related items you may have and I’ll be glad to take a look and answer any questions you may have.
Happy collecting!
Other Types Of Strange Coins
- Lincoln-Kennedy Pennies
- Re-Engraved Cents
- What Are Doubled Die Coins?
- 5 Unusual Coins Worth Collecting
- Odd, Scarce & Collectible: The 20-Cent Coin
- Coin Jewelry & Using Coins As Art
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
I have what appears to be a Silver Mount Hood Quarter with gold features on the backside was wondering if u new anything about it because I can’t find anything like it online
I have this coin and can not find any information about it. Can you help
Front
Hi, Jesse —
You have a collector medal or token that appears to be made of bronze. Many types of presidential tokens and medals like this exist, and they are usually worth between $3 and $5 each.
Best,
Josh
Hi i found this wheat penny i was wondering if it could be worth more than face value
Hello, Anisha —
You’ll be glad to know your coin IS worth more than face value! The best way for me to tell you by about how much would be to know its date and mintmark (the little letter under the date, if there is one on your coin).
Good luck!
Josh
No mintmark
Im trying to take better pics
Hi, Anisha —
Thank you for those photos. Your 1930 Lincoln wheat cent is worth 10 cents in that condition.
Thanks for your question,
Josh
Could this possibly be a 1973 ddo?
Hi, Anisha —
From what I can tell in the photo, it looks like it MAY be machine doubling (a relatively common error caused during the manufacture), but I can’t say for certain without seeing the coin in hand with a 5-10X magnifying glass. As that isn’t feasibly possible, I’d suggest taking your coin to a reputable local coin dealer who can examine the coin up close.
Here’s a link with info on coin dealers: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
Best,
Josh
This is a 2000 Lincoln Penny, it is bigger than normal and a charcoal color. I have never seen anything like it. Is this worth anything? It is not magnetic.
I have 1973 Lincoln cent that appears aluminum or steel info.?
Hi Dave, while over a million experimental 1974 cents were struck in aluminum there’s no record of 1973-dated coins being made of any metal other than bronze. My first suggestions would be:
– Try the standard magnet test. If it sticks, it’s a ferrous metal. If not, you can rule out steel.
– If you can get a sensitive scale, weigh the coin. A genuine bronze cent should come it at about 3.11 gm. Aluminum would be very noticeable because it would weigh only about 1 gm.
If the weight is near 3.11 gm, your cent was probably plated (hey, plating coins is a common experiment in a basic chemistry class!) If not, you could have what’s called an off-metal strike, which happens when a blank intended for a different coin gets mixed in with standard blanks. At one time the US Mint also struck coins for other countries that used different metals. It wasn’t unknown for mix-ups to occur.
I found a 02 Ohio state quarter with what appears to be a number 1 in George’s neck there any significants to that? I also have a 1892 wheat Penny does that have any value?
I really like Indian Head* cents! Your 1902 coin is a nice find. It might retail for around $2 in average condition. If it’s really worn it could still be worth 75 cents to a dollar.
(*) To explain, “wheat” cents have 2 wheat ears on the back and the familiar portrait of Lincoln on the front. They were minted from 1909 to 1958. If you’re lucky you may still find one in change. Most later-date “wheaties” are only worth a few cents each but if you find one from the 1920s or earlier it can be worth more.
I have found a James K Polk coin/token that has John Adams’ information on the back. I would like to know if it is of any value. Here is a picture of the front and back. I cannot find any information anywhere else. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Hello, Kenny and Misty —
Hmm, the image isn’t coming through for some reason; would you mind trying to resubmit it please?
Thank you so much!
Josh
I compressed the images. Let me know if it helps. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2cd2e1149ca2bd6ffc6eaf438cc0ccc6234cb3448d286550c436d24d966692cd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6cb2ae619449fcf7393a4a9cd153f9971eaf8aa09941285afd2b55778cb319a5.jpg
If you would like to start an email exchange to see if you can see the images better, my email address is kennydean32@gmail.com
I was wondering the value of this coin ??
Here’s the other side
Hi, Thomas —
This is a large token; these are really neat display pieces that sell for $2 to $3.
All the best,
Josh
Hi, Kenny and Misty —
These presidential tokens are worth around $1 to $2 and were produced as part of a private series.
Best,
Josh
Hello, I just wanted to share something I found mildly humorous. I typically enjoy giving coins, usually silver ounces, as gifts. One friend in particular I have given Mexican Libertads and an Arcangel Michael coin (from the UK I believe) because she loves angels (and many people confuse the figure on the Libertad with an angel). Well, what do you think is her favorite coin that I’ve ever given her? You guessed it: the tiny “Nixon” penny.
Ha! Well, if she is a Nixon fan, you might want to give her another coin in 2016 — the U.S. Mint is making a dollar coin next year honoring our nation’s 37th president.
Best,
Josh
Could you please let me know what type of error this is I found on a 1960 cent. Thank you!
Nice find, Rachael —
This appears to be a die chip, which is a type of variety that occurs when the die (which imprints an image onto coins) essentially breaks in one area, allowing raised areas to appear on coins where they normally wouldn’t. This is actually a fairly common type of variety called a “BIE” error, given its name because of the appearance of an “I” between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY.”
These are normally worth between $1 and $3.
Thank you for your question!
Josh
hello everyone… can somebody please help me. i want to know the value of this coin and if it genuine. i think its silver coz it doesn’t rush over the years..
Hi, Lougan —
Looks every bit like a Pieces of Eight, a silver Spanish coin that was made during the 17th and 18th centuries. They are worth from $40 to $100, though it would be important to determine if your piece is authentic as many replicas exist. That would require a sight-seen inspection, one that I would entrust with a reputable coin dealer.
Here’s a searchable list if reputable coin dealers: https://www.pngdealers.org/component/jtagmembersdirectory/?view=browselist&Itemid=544
…And tips on how to find good coin dealers: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
Best,
Josh
Thanks a lot Sir Josh for that info. appreciate it a lot.
I have been trying to research this coin for a few days now and there is not much that I am actually able to find on the coin. Does anyone know anything about this coin?
Hi, Tayler —
This is some type of medal, though I’m not sure of its origin. It appears to be a private-mint bronze piece and is likely part of a series honoring the 50 states. I can tell you that similar medals are generally worth $2 to $5.
Best,
Josh
I found this coin. I have no idea what it is
Anybody have any suggestions
Hi, Robin —
I’m afraid I don’t see a photo of the coin you were asking about. Please feel free to re-upload and try again!
Have a great week,
Josh
I’ve had this penny hanging out for a couple years in the bottom of my jewelry box. My son and I recently saw a story about Missprinted coins. One side is only faintly stamped. I cannot read the date. Any info? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b9796b7530d20f9d998601f66a070e59b9a3b0640a090709c9cd7122f037153d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b94be1cb831fe3723aceb0b4bd9270291db69559c1b060a845849eb59628cbc9.jpg
I have a 1957 penny with the letter B engraved under the date, I’ve seen 15 other people saying the same thing but nothing else?
Hi, Natosha —
I would need to please see a photo of your coin to ascertain what’s going on with your coin. While many people ask about this same thing, in every case I’ve seen so far, the “B” is actually a “D” mintmark or there is a letter “B” engraved on the coin by somebody outside the Mint.
I hope you have a great day!
Josh
Hi!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d871bbbc5a61d18307bccd6d58062084998ebe438012f82e069991f07afc31b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e62a3f28a319259602800194764928bad9eacd1fac2b9ef5cd3047b0e23dc4c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ce976be1c4e045075653497ac463c659e51624f9e1fd2feec5fc6717d418b51d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a2622c347248416dbead8bbfc8b70ac316e1b066d36bebfa84695a8c0bc40b7b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e457ebc5ad579ce35e56a511f3281028846d8a4e68c20d238e32b8b19d9a6232.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1a8f4187408a77c0cb5ac9f62dc06d93ba0ad745bcf556b79529f866bdd4d177.jpg I have a few coins Id love to know more about and maybe find out their values. The main one I have questions about is the trade token. I have tried searching for information about it and keep coming up empty. Maybe you can tell me something about it.
Hello, Gracie —
You have three neat old pieces! I don’t know a year on the JNO Clark token, but I do have record of JNO Clark tokens coming from Delaware County, Oklahoma about 90 to 100 years ago. I believe these were merchandise tokens. I don’t know the precise value because there isn’t any reliable market information I can find for the token, but similar pieces often retail for $3 to $5, and sometimes more.
Your 1901 Liberty Head nickel was part of a series struck from 1883 to 1913 and is distinctive for its large “V” Roman number (for “5” cents) on the reverse of the coin. Your piece is worth around $1 to $2. Here’s more info you might find interesting:
Your 1910 King Edward VII large cent is from Canada and is worth about $2.
What a classic trio!
Josh
Thank you so much for all your help!
Anytime, Gracie! You’re welcome!
Hi! I have a f https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d871bbbc5a61d18307bccd6d58062084998ebe438012f82e069991f07afc31b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e62a3f28a319259602800194764928bad9eacd1fac2b9ef5cd3047b0e23dc4c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ce976be1c4e045075653497ac463c659e51624f9e1fd2feec5fc6717d418b51d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a2622c347248416dbead8bbfc8b70ac316e1b066d36bebfa84695a8c0bc40b7b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e457ebc5ad579ce35e56a511f3281028846d8a4e68c20d238e32b8b19d9a6232.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1a8f4187408a77c0cb5ac9f62dc06d93ba0ad745bcf556b79529f866bdd4d177.jpg ew couns Id love to know more about and maybe find out their value. The main one Id like to know about is the trade token. Ive tried searching for information on it but keep coming up empty. Maybe you can help me.
I was wondering if this is a missing clad layer or just a heavily rusted coin. If it is heavily rusted, is it more than face value? (or less, for that matter.) I’m sorry I posted twice in one day–I just made my account, and I have a lot of coins I have questions about. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1b63261aa14ed7d2096f2ebe3641aff00cb914f7f5f183ed2359b181c397461f.jpg
Hi eli!
Hey, Eli!
Great question. This coin has some type of environmental damage, which caused the brown discoloration. It is worth face value.
By the way, you may post questions as often as you like!
Thank you and have a great day,
Josh
Hi my friend , see this notice! Maybe we have money now! Bro!
Enviado desde mi iPhone
El sept 20, 2016, a las 12:11 PM, Disqus escribió:
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JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
Hey, Eli!
Great question. This coin has some type of environmental damage, which caused the brown discoloration. It is worth face value. By the way, you may post questions as often as you like!
Thank you and have a great day,
Josh
12:11 p.m., Tuesday Sept. 20 | Other comments by JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
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JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide’s comment is in reply to Alex amado:
Hi eli!
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And this es my coin
Enviado desde mi iPhone
El sept 20, 2016, a las 9:25 PM, ale. a. escribió:
Hi my friend , see this notice! Maybe we have money now! Bro!
Enviado desde mi iPhone
El sept 20, 2016, a las 12:11 PM, Disqus escribió:
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JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
Hey, Eli!
Great question. This coin has some type of environmental damage, which caused the brown discoloration. It is worth face value. By the way, you may post questions as often as you like!
Thank you and have a great day,
Josh
12:11 p.m., Tuesday Sept. 20 | Other comments by JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
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JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide’s comment is in reply to Alex amado:
Hi eli!
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Check out where the mintmark is on this 2011 penny right over top of the 2 in the date and could it be worth something https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/31a13ae0230483a4d6120a01327c2d1bbdc782e0fa5149d7381da39a617e9725.jpg
Do you have any clue what this Coin is ? Or have you ever seen this Coin before ? It’s got some weight to it and is just a tiny bit wider all around than an a one ounce silver coin. Some kind of Asian language on 1 side. Other side looks like a Dragon in the center and says SHEN-SI PROVINCE above the Dragon and ONE TAEL under the Dragon. If you happen to know of this Coin do you know if it has any value to it ? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6ffb57a771fa35d34e175dc5743c766e79e5a5c6dcc7761192d965a2406dd81f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a079b985cf6972a7ac6959a449a6894e81d377bdc7b1b644d0aa25798eef9547.jpg
Hi I have a 1999 wide “AM” Pennie but don’t know where to take it…
Hi, Elaine —
I’d consider taking it to a coin dealer for evaluation and to sell it. Here’s info on dealing with a coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
Best of luck,
Josh
I need help finding out what coin this is https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/28e8df2d48de837e4ac3ff6a9b6de116d82191332c042cad89bf8593b0661cef.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6c7490c5d3e2fc4932afd8facf2fbe559368416ecc57d6732531ea77a8a15363.jpg
Hello if you wouldn’t mind I’d really appreciate some help in finding out what this coin even is or how much it’s worth, my grandfather got it appraised in 2009 before he passed away but the coin shows no year of creation and I can’t seem to find it anywhere online no matter how much I look. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4b252746fac4e9247a5a2124c95770952feeb38e5ff2edb471e4302b688c6a67.jpg
Hi, Christian —
This is a a type of token widely referred to as a “round,” and these are not coins designed for circulation but rather are meant for collectors. This piece. Note that this medal’s composition is listed as “CU,” which is the symbol for copper” and says it’s silver plated. That means this is really a copper medal with only a thin coating of silver. As these medals are worth the value of the metal, this piece is worth about $2 which is the typical price of a 40-millimeter copper round. I’d say it’s a nice memento of your grandfather and something I’d hang on to if I were you.
Best wishes,
Josh