My Hunt for the Elusive W Quarter: Insights and Adventures
June 26, 2025Spotting Die Chips: My Georgia Quarter Discovery
June 26, 2025
I was going through my collection recently when a 1911 $5 Indian Half Eagle stopped me in my tracks—it looked like it had a faint, weakly struck “D” mint mark. Having spent years in this hobby, I couldn’t help but wonder: had I stumbled onto something special, or was my eyesight playing tricks? Let me walk you through what I found.
That First Glimpse: Heart-Pounding Moment
While checking some graded pieces, an odd mark near the arrow tips on the reverse caught my eye. When the light hit it just right, it sort of resembled a “D”—you know that jolt of excitement every collector feels? I’ve handled plenty of coins over the years, but this one had me reaching for my loupe immediately.
Taking a Closer Look: Seeing Past the Hopes
Getting serious with my magnifier, I realized how easily our minds can fool us. That “D” started shifting shapes as I turned the coin—suddenly it looked like an “8,” then almost like tiny eyes. The location and size didn’t match authentic mint marks either. Take the 2011-D $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle’s weak mark: even faint ones have clear intent behind them, visible without squinting.
What I’d Tell Fellow Collectors
If you ever spot something questionable, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Check the lighting: Move it under different bulbs and angles—toning and scratches love to impersonate mint marks. Real ones rarely play hide-and-seek.
- Pull out your references: Stack it against photos in books or trusted sites. Genuine marks keep consistent sizing and positioning, even when lightly struck.
- Get professional eyes on it: Services like PCGS or NGC settle debates, but remember—submission fees add up, and unclear results might mean sending it multiple times.
- Keep expectations grounded: True discoveries are unicorns. Coins with “maybe” marks rarely move markets. Focus energy on verified varieties instead.
Where Things Stand Now
I’ve actually sent this Half Eagle off for grading—not because I’m betting on a discovery, but because curiosity got the better of me. I’ll share what they say! Moments like this are why I love numismatics: stay skeptical, but leave room for wonder. Real rarities emerge through verification, not just optimism.
