Herbert Hicks’ 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter: How Proper Grading Turns $10 Proofs Into $1,000 Rarities

Condition Is King: Decoding the 1968-S Type F Quarter Through a Grader’s Lens

In numismatics, condition isn’t just important – it’s everything. The recent PCGS recognition of Herbert Hicks’ 1968-S Type F Washington Quarter in their Complete Variety Set Registry didn’t just validate decades of painstaking research; it crowned one of modern quarter collecting’s most misunderstood rarities. What began as a $99 eBay curiosity now represents our hobby’s ultimate authentication challenge. As a grader who’s handled multiple submissions, I’ll reveal how subtle differences in luster preservation, strike quality, and eye appeal separate ordinary proof quarters from four-figure registry showpieces.

Historical Significance: Herbert Hicks’ Numismatic Legacy

The story of this rare variety begins with Herbert Hicks, whose 2019 passing left a canyon-sized gap in Washington quarter research. Forum user @1tommy perfectly captures Hicks’ devotion: “Herbert had so much knowledge… almost 3 years after he passed away and his work is finally getting into a Set.” Through microscopic comparisons of proof sets, Hicks identified the transitional Type F reverse – a discovery later confirmed by specialists like Jose Gallego. His eagle-eyed scrutiny revealed these telltale markers:

• Master Die Doubling swimming inside the Q of “QUARTER”
• A tightly closed E-S gap in “STATES” you could barely slip a hair through
• The distinctive serif on the N in “UNUM” – like a tiny architectural flourish
• Leaf tips before the arrowheads sharp enough to prick a finger

“His discovery started with just a handful of coins,” recalls @1tommy, keeper of one of the first certified specimens. “Now we’re seeing how truly special these are.”

Identification Secrets: Type F vs. G vs. H Reverses

The Type F Attribution Checklist

Properly attributing this rare variety requires understanding these critical distinctions:

• Lower Wing Margins: Type F shows softly defined feathers compared to Type G’s knife-edge relief
• Leaf Structure: Elongated pre-arrow leaves with needle-like points (versus Type G’s rounded tips)
• Arrow Details A proud top barb with generous spacing between tip and left leaf
• Lettering Personality: That telltale serifed N in “UNUM” – shared with Type G but absent in later varieties

For visual confirmation, I keep Jose Gallego’s essential Heartland Club presentation bookmarked – its side-by-side comparisons are worth their weight in silver.

Grading Nuances: When Proof Quality Meets Numismatic Scrutiny

Wear Patterns & Surface Truths

Even proof coins tell stories through their surfaces. Key grading differentiators include:

• PR65: Satellite hairlines visible only under 5x magnification – like whispers of history
• PR68: Fields so pristine they seem liquid under 3x inspection
• Cameo Contrast: Frosted devices standing in stark relief against mirror fields – the holy grail of eye appeal

The Luster & Strike Tightrope

The Type F’s characteristic softer strike creates unique grading challenges:

• Radial lines in fields should flow uninterrupted – any muted areas suggest cleaning’s cruel touch
• Eagle’s right wing tip often shows weakness – like the coin’s Achilles’ heel
• Berry details demand inspection – full separation brings substantial premiums

Market Impact: The Registry Set Revolution

PCGS CoinFacts listing #794719 now formally recognizes this variety in their monumental 304-coin Complete Proof Variety Set. Current certification reports tell a compelling story:

• PR66: Just 1 certified example as of 2024 submissions
• PR69: A single legendary specimen reported by forum user @davewesen

The numismatic value implications are staggering – while common 1968-S proofs trade for mere double digits, verified Type F examples in PR66 or better command $800-$1,200. This isn’t just collectibility; it’s a rare variety achieving blue-chip status.

Conclusion: The Specialist’s Ultimate Prize

Herbert Hicks’ 1968-S Type F quarter represents modern variety collecting at its most thrilling. Now that PCGS authentication is available, collectors face three exhilarating challenges: 1) Mastering attribution through wing margin diagnostics, 2) Pursuing premiums for exceptional cameo contrast, and 3) Battling for elite registry set positioning. As forum sage @dlmtorts observed, “There’s a canyon between Collector and Specialist.” This coin demands specialist-grade examination – but for those who appreciate its nuanced beauty and historical significance, it offers one of Washington quarter collecting’s most rewarding pursuits. The hunt is on.

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