Is Your MS 1968 D Quarter with Reverse Doubling Real? How to Spot a Fake

Historical Significance

The 1968-D Washington quarter stands as a testament to a pivotal era in American coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint during a period of significant operational changes, these quarters rolled off the presses in massive quantities – over 100 million pieces – making them relatively common in circulated grades. However, the specific example showing reverse doubling discussed in this forum thread presents a fascinating case study in coin authentication and the crucial distinction between collectible varieties and common striking anomalies.

Understanding the Controversy: Strike Doubling vs. Die Doubling

The forum discussion centers on a critical authentication question: Is the doubling observed on this 1968-D quarter genuine die doubling (a collectible variety) or strike/mechanical doubling (a common occurrence with no added numismatic value)? This distinction is fundamental to proper coin authentication and valuation.

Die doubling occurs when the die itself is doubled during the hubbing process, creating a permanent doubled image that transfers to every coin struck with that die. This type of doubling is highly sought after by collectors and can significantly increase a coin’s value. Strike doubling, on the other hand, happens during the actual striking process when the die slightly shifts or bounces, creating a shelf-like doubling effect that is not considered a collectible variety.

Key Diagnostic Points for Authentication

When authenticating a 1968-D quarter with suspected doubling, several critical factors must be examined:

Weight Verification

A genuine 1968-D quarter should weigh exactly 5.67 grams. Any significant deviation from this weight is an immediate red flag for counterfeits or altered coins. Use a precision scale that measures to at least 0.01 grams for accurate verification.

Magnetic Properties Test

Authentic 1968-D quarters are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. They should not be attracted to magnets. If your quarter is magnetic, it is almost certainly a counterfeit made with ferrous metals.

Die Markers and Design Elements

The forum photos reveal doubling on several key design elements: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” the eagle’s right wing, the eagle’s neck, the top corner edge of the eagle’s left wing, and on the edge of a leaf near the branch. However, the nature of this doubling is crucial for authentication.

According to experienced collectors in the forum, this doubling appears to be the result of strike/mechanical doubling and die deterioration rather than genuine die doubling. The doubling appears shelf-like rather than showing the distinct separation characteristic of true doubled dies.

Common Fakes and Alterations

While genuine counterfeits of 1968-D quarters exist, more common are altered coins that attempt to simulate doubling. These include:

• Coins with artificial doubling created through post-mint damage or tooling
• Altered coins where doubling has been enhanced or created through engraving
• Coins with die deterioration that has been misinterpreted as doubling

Testing Methods for Authentication

Proper authentication requires multiple testing methods:

Visual Inspection Under Magnification

Examine the coin under 10x to 20x magnification. True doubled dies will show distinct, rounded secondary images that appear to be set back from the primary image. Strike doubling appears as a flat, shelf-like extension extending from the primary image.

Edge Examination

The reeded edge of a genuine 1968-D quarter should be uniform and consistent. Counterfeits often show irregularities in the reeding pattern or inconsistent depth.

Surface Analysis

Genuine coins show natural flow lines and luster consistent with their striking period. Artificially altered coins may show signs of tooling marks, inconsistent surface texture, or unnatural luster patterns.

Expert Analysis of This Specific Coin

The forum consensus, supported by experienced collectors, indicates that the doubling observed on this 1968-D quarter is not collectible die doubling but rather strike/mechanical doubling combined with die deterioration. The expert analysis notes that “everything you see on the rev is the result of strike/mechanical doubling and die deterioration. Both of which can be extreme at times.”

This assessment is significant because it demonstrates the importance of expert evaluation in coin authentication. What might appear to be an interesting variety to a novice collector is correctly identified as a common striking anomaly by experienced numismatists.

Value Guide and Collectibility

For a 1968-D quarter in MS (Mint State) condition showing only strike doubling and die deterioration, the value remains at the standard level for this common date and mint mark – typically $1 to $10 depending on the specific grade and overall eye appeal.

Authentic doubled die varieties of the 1968-D quarter, if they existed, could command significant premiums. However, no major doubled die varieties are known for this date and mint mark, which further supports the expert assessment that the doubling observed is not collectible.

Why Authentication Matters

Understanding the difference between collectible varieties and common striking anomalies is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevents overpayment for common coins misrepresented as rare varieties
• Helps collectors build accurate and valuable collections
• Protects against fraud in the coin market
• Ensures proper grading and valuation for insurance and estate purposes

Conclusion: The Importance of Expert Authentication

This forum discussion about a 1968-D quarter with reverse doubling provides an excellent case study in the importance of proper coin authentication. While the doubling observed is interesting and creates an unusual appearance, expert analysis correctly identifies it as strike/mechanical doubling rather than a collectible die variety.

For collectors, this example reinforces the critical importance of learning proper authentication techniques, consulting with experienced numismatists, and understanding the specific diagnostic points that distinguish genuine varieties from common striking anomalies. The weight, magnetic properties, die markers, and testing methods discussed here provide a solid foundation for authenticating not just 1968-D quarters, but coins of all types and periods.

Remember that even common coins can tell fascinating stories about the minting process and the history of American coinage. While this particular 1968-D quarter may not be a rare variety, it serves as an excellent educational tool for understanding the complexities of coin authentication and the importance of expert analysis in numismatics.

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