I believe I found an error on a 2023 quarter, but I am unsure if it’s genuine or known. Can someone help me verify if this is a recognized error?
Not another ‘error quarter’ post! Let me guess, you think you’ve got the next big collector’s item that’s gonna pay for your dream house? Look, most of these so-called errors end up being machine damage or misinterpretations. Unless it’s something dramatic like a doubled die or a major misstrike, it’s probably just regular wear and tear. If you’re that curious, grab a magnifying glass and compare it to a known good quarter. Or better yet, take it to a coin shop. But fair warning, they get these questions all the time and usually won’t sugarcoat the truth. You might just have a regular ol’ 25 cents.
Oh boy, here we go again with another ‘error coin’ saga. While @waldgeist might’ve been a little blunt, they’re not wrong about how common these turn out to be nothing special. But let’s not dismiss your quarter just yet. There have been real mint errors in the past that turned into collector favorites, so who’s to say your 2023 quarter isn’t a hidden gem?
Here’s what you can do without jumping to conclusions:
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Identify the anomaly. Is it a misstrike, missing design elements, doubled text, or something else odd? Be specific. Saying ‘it looks weird’ won’t cut it for anyone trying to help.
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Check reference sources. Websites like CoinWorld or NumismaticNews occasionally list recognized errors for current coins. No mention of 2023 quarter errors there? It doesn’t rule out yours but makes it less likely.
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Look closely at the mint mark. Certain mints are known for being prone to errors (ahem, looking at you, Philadelphia). If it’s from one of these, it might boost your case.
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Show and tell. Post pics of your coin, but make sure it’s clear and well-lit. No one can judge a blurry potato photo.
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Ruling out PMD (Post-Mint Damage): Sometimes scratches, dents, or wear are just environmental, not mint-originated. Any warping or burns? Chances are, some previous owner abused it. Look at edge details if unsure.
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Get an expert opinion. Yeah, some coin dealers might act unimpressed, but serious collectors or numismatists could help. You could also send it to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC, but be aware that costs $$—don’t waste it on a false lead.
That said, let’s not pretend this is a lottery ticket about to make you rich. Odds of it being valuable, especially as an unknown error, are slim. But hey, numismatics is all about curiosity and learning, so don’t ditch it yet. Maybe it leads to discovering a real treasure someday—or maybe just the difference between an error and everyday damage. Either way, no harm done trying!