By Alan Herbert, Numismatic News November 12, 2009

Is the “Turban Head” design the same on all the denominations?

If you look closely, you will find that there are differences for almost all the denominations, or at least each different metal. For example, on the gold $2.50 and $5 coins the top of the cap is folded backward, while on the small denomination silver coins the top is folded forward.



Why is the “Turban Head” design called that if it is actually a cap rather than a turban, which usually consists of a long cloth band wrapped around the head?

Perhaps one of our fashion-designer-turned-numismatists can answer that one for us. Probably some of the same “reasoning” that causes Miss Liberty’s winged cap dime to be called a Mercury dime.



Are there really three kinds of Ike proofs?

No, only two. They are the clad copper nickel, and the clad 40 percent silver. The confusion may arise because there are also special uncirculated 40 percent silver Ikes. I said that the only other proofs struck in two different alloys were the 1942 nickels, which were struck in copper-nickel and in the 35 percent silver alloy adopted that year. This left off the 1976 proof quarters and halves, and since 1992 the proof dimes, quarters and halves. Thanks to Rick for catching this.



Is there a U.S. coin that has all of the Presidents appearing on it?

An automatic “no” to that one. There are tokens or medals with group portraits, at least some of which were advertised as “coins.” None of them are coins, and none are official issues.



Which was smaller, the gold dollar or the silver 3-cent piece?

Hedge your bets on this one. The Type I gold dollar (1849-1854) measured 13 mm. The Type II and III (1854-1889) measured 15 mm, while the silver 3-cent piece measured 14 mm.



Why is it there seems to be so much controversy over coin design? Seems like nobody has a good word for them.

The problem seems to be that coin designs, because of mass production, reach the attention of far more people than other works of art. Since you can’t please everyone with a given design and “complainers shout while praisers whisper,” the coin designer’s lot is a hard one. This has been true of the state quarters, with almost every design causing some controversy.



It’s been some time since I checked the proof set listings, so I was surprised to find two types listed for three dates: 1942, 1979 and 1981. Please explain.

The 1942 sets contained either the copper-nickel nickel or the silver nickel with large mintmark. The 1979 and 1981 sets also have different shaped mintmarks, so all three years have mintmark-related varieties. In all three cases, the variety or “type” is the rarer and more valuable set.

Address questions to Coin Clinic, Numismatic News, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990. Because of space limitations, we are unable to publish all questions. Include a loose 44-cent stamp for reply. Write first for specific mailing instructions before submitting numismatic material. We cannot accept unsolicited items. E-mail inquiries should be sent to Answerman2@aol.com.

More Resources:

• Standard Catalog of United States Obsolete Bank Notes 4-CD Set, 1782-1866

• Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins

• 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date, 4th Edition

• State Quarters Deluxe Collector's Folder