Grading MS 1968 D Quarter with Reverse Doubling: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

Understanding the 1968-D Washington Quarter: A Professional Grading Perspective

Condition is everything. Here is how to look at the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece. The 1968-D Washington quarter represents an interesting transitional period in American coinage, produced at the Denver Mint during a time when silver was being phased out of circulating coinage. This particular specimen presents what appears to be doubling on the reverse, creating a fascinating case study in proper attribution and grading.

Historical Context and Metal Composition

The 1968-D quarter was struck in a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core) weighing 5.67 grams with a diameter of 24.3mm. This composition was introduced in 1965 following the elimination of 90% silver from dimes and quarters. The Denver Mint produced over 237 million of these quarters in 1968, making them relatively common in circulated condition but increasingly scarce in higher grades.

The Minting Process and Potential for Doubling

Understanding the minting process is crucial for proper attribution. The 1968-D quarters were produced using hub-and-die technology where a master hub creates working dies, which then strike the planchets. Doubling can occur at several stages: during hubbing (creating doubled dies), during the strike (machine doubling), or through die deterioration over time.

Analyzing the Doubling: Strike Doubling vs. Machine Doubling

The photographs provided show apparent doubling on multiple elements of the reverse design. Let me break down what we’re seeing and how to properly attribute these characteristics:

Key Areas of Interest

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM: The doubling appears as a flat, shelf-like extension on the letters, which is characteristic of machine doubling rather than true doubled die. True doubled die doubling would show notching and separation between the primary and secondary images.

Eagle’s Right Wing (viewer’s left): The doubling here shows the classic pushed-over metal appearance of strike doubling. The affected areas appear flattened rather than showing the raised, distinct secondary image of a genuine doubled die.

Eagle’s Neck: Similar characteristics to the wing, with the doubling appearing as a flat shelf rather than distinct separation.

Leaf Details: The doubling on the leaf edges shows the typical characteristics of die deterioration doubling, where the die has eroded and created secondary images during the striking process.

Grading Breakdown: Wear Patterns and Surface Analysis

Based on the photographs and typical characteristics of 1968-D quarters, here’s how a professional grader would approach this coin:

Luster Assessment

The original mint luster appears to be largely intact on the high points, which is crucial for determining whether this coin could qualify for Mint State grades. However, the presence of what appears to be contact marks and potential cleaning would need to be carefully evaluated under proper lighting conditions.

Strike Quality Evaluation

The strike appears relatively sharp in protected areas, but the doubling effects have created what looks like weakness in certain design elements. This is particularly evident in the eagle’s feathers and the lettering on the reverse.

Surface Preservation

Without handling the coin directly, it’s difficult to assess the full surface preservation. However, the photographs suggest some contact marks that would need to be factored into the final grade determination.

PCGS/NGC Grading Standards Application

For a 1968-D quarter with these characteristics, here’s how the major grading services would likely approach the attribution:

MS-60 to MS-62 Range

At this level, the coin would likely receive no special attribution for the doubling, as it’s classified as machine doubling rather than a collectible doubled die variety. The grade would be based primarily on surface preservation and luster.

MS-63 to MS-65 Range

In this grade range, the coin might receive a details grade if the doubling is particularly dramatic, but it would still not be attributed as a doubled die variety. The eye appeal would be the primary factor in determining the final grade.

Gem Mint State (MS-66 and above)

For a coin to receive gem grades with these doubling characteristics, it would need exceptional surface preservation and luster to overcome the visual impact of the machine doubling.

Market Value Considerations

The distinction between machine doubling and true doubled die varieties is crucial for determining market value:

Machine Doubling (Current Specimen)

A typical MS-65 1968-D quarter with machine doubling would be valued in the $5-15 range, as the doubling does not add collectible premium. The value would be based primarily on the grade and overall eye appeal.

True Doubled Die Varieties

If this were a genuine doubled die variety, values could range from $100-1,000+ depending on the specific variety and grade. The most dramatic doubled dies can command even higher premiums from specialized collectors.

Authentication and Certification Recommendations

For collectors considering this coin, I recommend the following steps:

Professional Authentication

Submission to PCGS or NGC would provide authoritative attribution. While the doubling appears to be machine doubling rather than a collectible variety, professional certification would provide certainty.

Detailed Photography

The photographs provided by Flying Al are excellent examples of how to document potential varieties. High-resolution images from multiple angles are essential for proper attribution.

Die State Analysis

A professional die state analysis could help determine whether the doubling is from die deterioration, which can sometimes be collectible in its own right, particularly for earlier series.

Conclusion: The Importance of Proper Attribution

This 1968-D quarter presents an excellent example of why proper attribution is crucial in numismatics. While the doubling is visually interesting and creates a unique appearance, it’s important to understand that machine doubling, while sometimes dramatic, does not carry the same collectible premium as true doubled die varieties.

The coin appears to be a solid example of its type, potentially qualifying for MS grades based on the visible luster and strike characteristics. However, the machine doubling would not add significant value beyond the base grade.

For collectors, this serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of understanding the different types of doubling and their impact on both grade and value. While not a five-figure rarity, this coin represents an interesting study piece for understanding minting anomalies and the importance of proper attribution in numismatics.

The key takeaway is that condition remains paramount, and while varieties can add significant premium, proper identification is essential to avoid overvaluation based on misinterpreted characteristics.

Related Resources

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