MADISON, Wis. -- California gave away copies of its new quarter last week, while newspaper ads across the county offered the same coin for $1.48.

These pretty expensive "free" quarters come an Ohio company called the U.S. Monetary Exchange. The company’s executive director, John Thomas White, admits he's also making money by creating a direct mail list of those collecting state quarters.

“If they want to send just $7 for this, we'll send them both the Denver and Philadelphia mint coin for free -- that's a pretty nice deal,” White said.

Wisconsin consumer officials are investigating whether this “great deal” is deceptive. The company says it has millions of satisfied customers, but experienced coin collectors recommend sticking with who you know. Do your business with Uncle Sam and buy directly from the U.S Mint, they said.