Missing clad layers have become very popular among Statehood Quarter error collectors, but without some education in what to look for, one can be burned easily by a fake.

   What is a missing clad layer error? Quarters, half dollars, SBA dollars, and even the new Sacagawea dollars are all made using planchets containing a solid copper core with other alloys bonded to the exterior of this copper core, creating a metal "sandwich". The missing clad layer error occurs when one side (or both sides) of this metal bond peels off exposing the copper core. This will leave one or both sides of the finished coin a copper color.

  How can you tell the real ones from fakes? Don't count on the copper color to be your only determinimg factor. These could easily be plated, or as we have seen, some will come

out with just a tinge of copper coloring which tends to fool a lot of collectors.

   Instead, look at the edge of the coin (where the reeding is located). Place it next to another coin of the same denomination. Does it look thinner? It should! Remember, it is supposed to be missing a layer of the planchet.

   If you have a scale, weigh the coin. It should be lighter than a normal coin. A normal Statehood quarter should weigh in around 5.7 grams, while a missing clad layer coin will weigh in only around 4.7 grams.

   This should give you a godd working knowledge of what to look for when hunting these errors at coin shows and coin shops. Good Luck!

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All content in this newsletter is the opinion of the author and should not be taken as sound investment advice.