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I have a two headed coin. Is this a rare mint error? If so what is it worth?

What you have is called a "magician's coin." This is a novelty piece and can be purchased at a magic shop. These have no numismatic value and are for entertainment only. There are approximately thirty genuine two-headed or two-tailed coins that have been authenticated by ANACS, PCGS and NGC. There are only four known "Two Tailed" U.S. coins: three Quarters and one Dime. One of the Quarters recently sold for $80,000. Two of the world coins are Canadian Copper Cents that were struck with two reverse dies and authenticated by PCGS. These were part of a Canadian Mint Error Collection and they have since been featured in a front page Coin World article.

I think I found an error coin, what type of errors are there? Where can I quickly look up information?

Visit CoinFacts.com. This Internet Encyclopedia has descriptions, explanations and pictures of the many different types of errors.

I've been collecting mint error coins for years and want to have my collection certified. How do I go about doing this?

There are three major third party grading services that authenticate, certify and encapsulate mint errors:
1. ANACS - ANACS has been certifying major mint errors for thirteen years. They have an excellent track record and have slabbed many of the finest errors in the world. Thousands of mint error collectors rely on ANACS's reputation to certify their mint errors.
2. PCGS - PCGS is one of the largest third party grading services and started certifying mint errors in March of 1999. They are located in California.
3. NGC - NGC is one of the largest third party grading services located in Florida and have been certifying mint errors for two years.

I collect mint error coins but I am confused by some of the abbreviations used by the grading services when describing the error. Could you please help me out?

Here is the generally accepted list, and primarily used by ANACS, PCGS & NGC:
O/C - off center, D/S - double struck, T/S - triple struck, M/S - multi struck, F/O - flipover, B/S - broadstruck, DBL DENOM - double denomination, CB - counterbrockage, FRAG - fragment, BROCK - brockage, TRANS - transitional, EXP - experimental, PLN - planchet, TR - trial, ADJ - adjustment, STK - struck, PC - partial collar, BND - bonded, MTD PR - mated pair, T1 - type 1.

I found a coin that shows doubling of the letters, design and portrait. Is this a double die or a double struck coin?

What you most likely have is a coin with mechanical doubling, ejection doubling, or strike doubling. This is very common and has little or no value as a mint error.

I just found a State Quarter that looks like it's golden or brass. Is this made out of the same metal as the new golden dollar?

Chances are your State Quarter has been plated after it left the Mint. Check to see if the edge is the same color as the rest of the coin. If it is the same color, the coin has been plated. If the edge is copper colored you might have genuine a mint error. Please e-mail a picture to allow us to evaluate your coin. There are approximately 15 known 1999 State Quarters struck on Experimental Planchets. All five states in the 1999 series (DE, PA, CT, GA and NJ) have been discovered. These Experimental State Quarters have sold for as high as $10,000 each, depending on which state, the coin's condition and which type of experimental composition was used. There are four known types of experimental compositions which have been discovered so far on 1999 State Quarters.

I found a penny (nickel or dime) that looks slightly misshaped or a little off-center. Is this error worth anything? How can I sell it?

Most minor errors on the smaller denominations are common and are only worth a few dollars. Either keep it as a souvenir or sell it on eBay.