I often get e-mails form individuals that found a two headed (or two tailed) nickel, dime, quarter or half dollar in circulation, and want to know what it is worth. To coin collectors they are not worth much because they are not real mint errors. They are Magician's Coins created outside the mint using real coins. Magician's coins are made by various firms by taking two nickels (or quarters or whatever), hollowing out one, leaving the edges and one side of the coins, then trimming the other very slightly around the edges and on the back, then fitting the trimmed part into the hollowed part. Thus a two headed (or two tailed) coin is created. A good Magician's Coin is precisely made and is very difficult to detect, especially if you do not know what to look for. They are sold in Magic shops and novelty stores for about $5 to $15 each. If someone is not careful with their Magician'scoin, they can easily accidentally spend it (I have done it myself).

The obverse and reverse dies used by the United States Mint have different shafts.The reverse die has a flattened shaft, while the obverse die has a round shaft. The presses are designed so it is virtually impossible to fit two obverse or two reverse dies into a coin press.

Though a two headed coin may not be worth much to a collector, it is always useful for flipping someone for a drink. Just do not accidentally spend it.

To purchase a two headed coin please visit  www.TwoHeadedQuarter.net