What is this called and how much is this worth? The quarter is a Washington State quarter minted in 2007 and is much lighter than a regular quarter. Help? Would it be better to hold on to it?
cause they work better than wood!!
Weight, or rather lack there of.
Definitely hold onto it. A coin that is lighter than US Mint specifications is indicative of a missing clad layer error. Impurities in the production of the rolled sheets of clad metal (copper-nickel alloy outsides sandwiching copper inside) caused separation of one outside layer after the coin left the dies. These errors don't often escape the Mint, so they're unusual and sought after by collectors of error coins, especially within the State Quarter series. Value will depend on the condition. Circulated examples will be valued well below mint state coins. But a 2007 shouldn't have picked up too much wear. Having it certified by one of the professional grading companies, either PCGS or NGC, will add to the value. A coin graded 'about uncirculated' will go for at least $100, professionally certified. It'll cost $30 to $40 to have it done. Diehard veteran collectors don't like that professionally graded coins have become the standard, but that's the reality. For the very uncertain niche of coin collecting that the error segment is, certification is a must, to weed out the intentionally doctored coins from the authentic. Most collectors today want that third party opinion and are willing to pay a premium for it.
