Authenticating the 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter: Herbert Hicks’ Legacy and How to Spot Counterfeits

Introduction: The Rising Threat of Counterfeits

As demand surges for this rare proof variety, counterfeiters have taken notice. For collectors, recognizing the 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter isn’t just about protecting investments—it’s about honoring numismatic history. Since PCGS added this gem to their Complete Proof Variety Set registry, understanding its diagnostic markers has become essential. Join us as we decode the subtle details that separate genuine specimens from clever fakes, celebrating both the coin’s exceptional collectibility and the legacy of its discoverer, the late Herbert Hicks.

Historical Significance: Herbert Hicks’ Enduring Contribution

The numismatic world lost a legend when Herbert Hicks (1939-2021) passed, but his eagle-eyed research lives on. For decades, Hicks meticulously documented reverse varieties, culminating in his discovery of the 1968-S Type F’s distinct features. His groundbreaking work finally earned institutional recognition in 2023 when PCGS made it a registry requirement. What sets this variety apart? That telltale closed ‘E-S’ spacing in ‘UNITED STATES’—a fingerprint Hicks identified through countless hours comparing strikes under magnification.

“Herbert breathed life into these silvers. Nearly three years after his passing, his passion becomes immortalized in the registry—a fitting tribute to a master numismatist.” – @1tommy, holder of the discovery coin

Key Authentication Markers

1. Weight and Metallic Composition

• Standard Weight: 5.67 grams (±0.10g tolerance)—any deviation screams forgery
• Metal: 90% silver core with that distinctive, creamy luster unique to proofs
• Magnetic Test: Authentic specimens slide cleanly off magnets like hot silver off a die

2. Definitive Die Markers

True Type F quarters sing a specific song when you know the lyrics:

• Serif on ‘N’ in UNUM: Look for that upward flick on the right stroke—like a calligrapher’s finishing flourish
• Closed ‘E-S’ Gap: These letters should kiss like long-lost lovers in ‘STATES’
• Q Inner Circle Doubling: Master die doubling gives the ‘Q’ a subtle shadow effect under 10x magnification
• Pointed Leaf Tip: Nature’s own needle—this leaf tapers to a sharp point absent on Type G strikes

“Keep a Type G specimen beside your suspect coin. The Type F’s wing margins look positively anemic in comparison—like the eagle forgot leg day!” – @Tom, variety specialist

3. Reverse Design Comparisons

• Type F vs. Type G: Weaker lower wing margins; leaf structure maintains natural proportions
• Type F vs. Type H: That intimate E-S spacing versus Type H’s awkward distance

Common Counterfeits and Red Flags

Three wolves in sheep’s clothing haunt this variety:

Type 1: Altered Type G Quarters

• Grinders massacre wing margins trying to mimic weakness
• Detection: Magnification reveals unnatural tool marks where luster should flow

Type 2: Struck Counterfeits

• Often underweight by 0.07-0.10g—the kiss of death
• Dead-giveaway magnetic response or sickly gray patina
• Olive leaves blurrier than a Monet painting

Type 3: ‘Frankenstein’ Slabs

• Genuine holders housing imposters
• Verification: Cross-check PCGS numbers like your collection depends on it—because it does

Testing Methodology for Collectors

Step 1: Initial Screening

• Weigh with jewelry-grade precision—your scale’s margin of error should terrify a lab technician
• Watch genuine silver laugh at magnets with aristocratic disdain

Step 2: Die Marker Inspection

• 10x loupe examination of the E-S romance and ‘N’s serif signature
• Compare wing margins to a verified Type G—the differences should slap you like a glove

Step 3: Advanced Verification

• ESD testing to expose cast fakes hiding under silver plating
• XRF analysis confirming 90% silver purity—no compromises
• Side-by-side showdown with Variety Vista’s reference images [Link]

Collectibility and Market Value

With PCGS population reports showing single-digit graded specimens, this rare variety commands breathtaking premiums:

• PR65: $300-$500 (for coins with decent eye appeal)
• PR67+: $1,200-$2,000 (when luster dances like liquid moonlight)
• Registry Premium: 50%-100% for sets where provenance matters as much as condition

Hicks’ magnum opus—immortalized in resources like the Heartland Coin Club guide—ensures this variety remains the holy grail for Washington Quarter specialists. As forum member @dlmtorts poignantly observed: “Herbert didn’t just collect coins—he collected knowledge. And he gave it away like a man planting trees he’d never sit under.”

Conclusion: A Legacy Cast in Silver

The 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter isn’t merely a rare variety—it’s Herbert Hicks’ numismatic love letter to future generations. By mastering its authentication markers, we become keepers of both silver and legacy. As PCGS recognition fuels demand, remember: the best collections blend sharp eyes, historical awareness, and respect for pioneers like Hicks. When you hold a genuine specimen, you’re not just touching 90% silver—you’re touching decades of scholarship, passion, and that magical alchemy that transforms metal into history.

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