My Wicked Washington Wednesday Coin Finds and Insights

With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July approaching, I’ve been spending my Wednesday evenings with my favorite coins – the Washington quarters that inspired my “Wicked Washington Wednesday” tradition. There’s something special about holding these pieces of history, especially when you consider George Washington’s role in our independence. Whether you’re scanning fields with a detector, inspecting mint marks, or chasing errors, this hobby always has another story to tell.

Metal Detecting Treasures

My metal detector and I have become regulars at old New England sites lately, and the soil keeps sharing its secrets. Just last week, I pulled a 1961 Washington quarter from the dirt – nothing rare, but that rush of uncovering history never fades. Even better was finding a 1943 specimen nearby. For fellow dirt fishers, I’ve had the best luck around historical markers and century-old parks where mid-1900s coins like to hide. When you find one, remember: a soft distilled water rinse preserves those precious details better than any scrub.

Spotting and Handling Counterfeits

We’ve all had that heart-sinking moment when a “find” turns out fake. I still remember detecting what seemed like a modern quarter, only to discover it weighed 5.69 grams and bent like cheap tin – missing that crucial copper core. These days, I’ve learned to:

• Trust my scale: Real quarters hit 5.67 grams; even slight differences raise red flags
• Test the bend: Genuine coins won’t flex easily under pressure
• Study the details: Fakes often have mushy lettering or weird coloring under good light

It’s a good wake-up call to double-check everything, especially newer coins that counterfeiters target.

Grading and Preserving Collections

Condition truly is king with coins. My prized NGC MS-66PL Washington quarter taught me that – prooflike surfaces show every imperfection, making high grades rare treasures. For standout pieces, I always recommend NGC or PCGS encapsulation; it safeguards the coin and adds credibility if you ever sell. But honestly? My heart belongs to the raw set I’ve built since the 90s, quarter by quarter through flea markets and collector swaps. They live in acid-free flips inside a cool, dry cabinet, safe from toning and wear.

Error Coins and Practical Collecting Tips

Error hunting keeps things exciting – though not every oddity pans out. I once spent hours examining a 1965 quarter before realizing it was just another counterfeit. Now I verify potential errors by:

• Checking weight and dimensions against official specs
• Scrutinizing under magnification for doubling or mis-strikes
• Cross-referencing my trusty “Red Book” before getting excited

Building a Washington quarter set remains one of the most satisfying ways to collect. Chase key dates like the ’32-D or ’32-S for rarity, but don’t sleep on common dates in mint state – they can surprise you over time. As fireworks season approaches, I’ll be out hunting more Wednesday wonders. May your Fourth be filled with red, white, blue, and silver!