How to Spot Rare Errors on ANACS Washington Quarter Set

Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt

Most people overlook the tiny details that can transform a common coin into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve learned that the devil is truly in the details when it comes to Washington Quarters. The ANACS Washington Quarter Set represents an exciting opportunity for collectors to discover hidden treasures that others might overlook.

Historical Significance of Washington Quarters

The Washington Quarter series, first minted in 1932, has become one of the most collected coin series in American numismatics. What makes this series particularly fascinating for error hunters is its long production history spanning from 1932 to the present day, with various mint marks, compositions, and design modifications along the way.

The ANACS Advantage

ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service) has carved out a unique niche in the coin grading market. Unlike the larger grading companies that focus on high-end specimens, ANACS specializes in affordable coins, making it an excellent choice for collectors building comprehensive sets. As one forum member noted, “ANACS can be tough” with their grading, often providing conservative assessments that can actually benefit collectors looking for value.

Identifying Key Markers: Die Cracks and Varieties

When examining Washington Quarters for potential errors, several key markers should be on every collector’s radar:

Die Cracks

Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface, created when the die used to strike the coin develops fractures. These can range from minor lines to dramatic “cud” errors where a portion of the die breaks away completely. Look particularly at:

• The date area
• Around the portrait of Washington
• Along the rim
• Within the eagle’s feathers on the reverse

Double Dies

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck twice by the hub, creating a doubled image. The most famous Washington Quarter double die is the 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse, but many other years contain lesser-known varieties. Examine the date, lettering, and mottoes carefully under magnification for signs of doubling.

Mint Mark Variations

Washington Quarters were minted at Philadelphia (no mint mark until 1980), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Pay special attention to:

• The 1936-D and 1932-D and S in higher grades
• Overmintmarks where one mint mark was punched over another
• Varieties in the size and style of mint marks across different years

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond the common varieties, several specific errors can significantly increase a Washington Quarter’s numismatic value:

Off-Center Strikes

When the planchet isn’t properly centered during striking, part of the design will be missing. These errors range from barely noticeable to dramatic, with the most valuable being those showing about 5-10% off-center while still displaying a full date.

Wrong Planchet Errors

Occasionally, Washington Quarters were struck on planchets intended for other denominations. The most famous is the 1965 Washington Quarter struck on a 90% silver planchet, which can be identified by its silver edge rather than the copper core visible on regular quarters.

Repunched Mint Marks

Before the 1990s, mint marks were hand-punched into working dies, sometimes resulting in repunched mint marks (RPMs). These show traces of previous mint mark positions and can be valuable, especially in earlier dates.

Building Your ANACS Washington Quarter Set

The forum discussion reveals several strategies for building a comprehensive Washington Quarter collection:

Starting Smart

One collector shared their success story: “I purchased raw from an antique mall in Missouri… I only paid $6 (PCGS value for MS66 is $75!) for it.” This highlights the potential for finding undervalued coins in unexpected places.

Strategic Purchasing

Consider focusing on:

• Higher AU grades for key dates like the 1932-D and S
• Raw examples that you can submit for grading
• Coins from coin shows where you can examine them in person

Setting Parameters

The collector chose to focus on “yellow-label only” ANACS holders with barcodes, creating a consistent and visually appealing set. This approach demonstrates how setting specific parameters can make a collection more focused and potentially more valuable.

Value Guide: What to Expect

Understanding the value spectrum for Washington Quarters is crucial for error hunting:

Common Dates

Most Washington Quarters in circulated condition are worth only their silver value (for pre-1965 coins) or face value. However, even common dates can hide valuable errors.

Key Dates and Rarities

The 1932-D and 1932-S are the key dates, with values starting around $100 in Good condition and reaching thousands in Mint State. Error varieties of these dates can command even higher premiums.

Modern Errors

Even recent Washington Quarters can contain valuable errors. The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarter, for example, can be worth hundreds of dollars in high grades.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

When evaluating potential error coins, consider:

ANACS vs. Other Grading Services

As discussed in the forum, ANACS often provides conservative grading that can be beneficial for collectors. One member noted, “ANACS can be tough” with their assessments, which can lead to better value propositions for collectors.

Submission Strategies

Consider submitting raw coins to ANACS, especially if you’re building a set exclusively in their holders. The forum member who submitted five quarters noted they would “look for more quarters in my next coin show!”

Conclusion: The Ongoing Adventure

Building an ANACS Washington Quarter Set is more than just assembling coins—it’s an ongoing adventure in discovery. As one collector put it, “It’s a very cheap set with the vast majority of coins being affordable,” making it accessible to collectors at all levels while still offering the thrill of potentially finding valuable errors.

Whether you’re examining a 1963-D in MS66 that you picked up for $6 or searching for that elusive 1932-S in gem condition, the Washington Quarter series offers endless opportunities for the error coin hunter. Remember to look closely at every detail, from die cracks to mint mark variations, and you might just find that hidden treasure that others have overlooked.

Happy hunting!

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