My Deep Dive into the 2000 D Silver Maryland Quarter Mystery

As a coin collector, unexpected finds always get my attention – like the chatter about a silver 2000 D Maryland quarter. I had to see for myself, and boy, did I learn some eye-opening lessons about verification and market quirks along the way.

My Encounter with the Suspect Quarter

When I held a 2000 D Maryland quarter that seemed different, the missing clad edge immediately caught my eye. So I put it through some simple checks:

• Sound test: Dropped it beside a real silver quarter – the difference was subtle enough to make me second-guess myself.
• Weight check: My scale showed 5.67 grams – dead-on for clad, not silver’s 6.30 grams.
• Edge inspection: That solid silver-colored rim? Totally threw me off at first glance.

Here’s the kicker: authentic silver state quarters only exist as S-mint proofs from San Francisco. Denver and Philly never produced them in silver.

The Truth About Plated State Quarters

Tracking down the source of these look-alikes revealed a familiar story. During the state quarter craze, opportunistic companies bought boatloads of regular coins, dipped them in silver or gold, and slapped on fancy packaging with jacked-up prices. Once collectors realized the truth, many just spent them – flooding pockets with these imposters. You can still find these sets online for pocket change today, a clear sign they’re damaged goods with zero collector value.

Practical Tips for Identifying Silver Quarters

Want to dodge disappointment? Here’s what works for me:

• Trust your scale: That 0.63-gram difference between clad (5.67g) and silver (6.30g) doesn’t lie. A $20 digital scale saves headaches.
• Listen carefully: Silver has a brighter ring, but it’s tricky. Never rely on sound alone.
• Mint mark is key: For state quarters, silver means S-mint. Period. D or P mints? Always clad.
• Get a second opinion: When in doubt, visit a reputable dealer. Plating looks convincing but crumbles under expert scrutiny.

This wild goose chase reminded me why I love this hobby – surprises lurk everywhere, and every mystery makes us sharper collectors. Keep looking!