My Roll-Searching Adventures: Post Your Results!
July 2, 2025The W’s Are Still Out There!
July 2, 2025
My Roll Hunting Discovery
While hunting through quarter rolls one afternoon, I spotted a 2000 D Maryland quarter that stopped me cold. It didn’t have that familiar copper sandwich edge I see every day, and my pulse quickened – could this be a silver strike? After consulting my trusty reference books and some quick online digging, I discovered only S-mint quarters got the official silver treatment that year. This D-mint coin suddenly became my personal numismatic mystery.
Putting It to the Test
Determined to solve this puzzle, I ran the quarter through my usual verification routine:
- Edge Check: No trace of copper layers – just solid silver coloring around the rim
- Sound Test: That classic silver “ping” when dropped beside my known silver quarters – almost identical to my ear
- Weight Reveal: My precision scale showed 5.67 grams – spot on for regular clad coins, not the 6.30 grams of true 90% silver. This sealed it for me.
These tests confirmed my suspicion: this wasn’t a genuine silver coin, but something altered.
The Plated Quarter Story
As I researched, I uncovered a fascinating slice of state quarter history. Back when these were new, some companies would mass-plate regular quarters in silver or gold, package them in fancy cases, and sell them as “collector’s editions” at ridiculous markups. Once folks realized these were essentially damaged coins with no real value, many got spent as regular change. You can still find these sets online for pocket change today – a reminder of how widespread this practice became during the quarter craze.
Tips From My Workbench
If you spot a questionable coin, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Always weigh first – even a fraction of a gram difference tells the real story
- Study that edge – a single-color rim often means plating
- Take “silver test” claims with a grain of salt unless you see clear photos
- Remember modern silver quarters only come as specific proofs – when in doubt, check the Red Book
Why We Keep Hunting
As a relatively new collector, this experience taught me more than any guidebook could. Even “failures” like this get your blood pumping and teach you something new. That’s the magic of coin hunting – it’s not just about the treasures you find, but how every unusual piece deepens your understanding. So keep your magnifier and scale close, stay skeptical but excited, and remember: the real joy is in the hunt itself!
