My Deep Dive into the ‘No Threads’ 5.4 Quarter Puzzle

I recently got hooked on a peculiar quarter described as having no reeds—often mistakenly called “threads”—and weighing 5.42 grams. As a coin enthusiast, I was really intrigued by the idea of a mint error. But after digging into it, I found some eye-opening truths about damage versus genuine rarity.

Understanding Reeding and the Minting Process

First, let’s talk about how reeding actually works. Those ridges on the edge of coins like quarters? They’re made by the collar when the coin is struck at the mint. What I discovered is that it’s just not possible for the collar to somehow leave the edge completely smooth. So if you see a smooth edge or irregular reeding, it’s almost always because someone altered the coin after it left the mint. And by the way, the term “threads” is a common mistake—it’s all about the mint’s precise machinery.

Analyzing the Coin: What I Discovered

Looking at the description, this quarter had a smooth edge with some areas that seemed “filled in,” especially around the “D” mint mark. And it weighed 5.42 grams—noticeably lighter than the standard 5.67 grams for a clad quarter. That weight difference alone made me suspicious. When I checked similar cases, here’s what stood out:

• The smoothness might be from grinding or filing after the coin left the mint
• Marks across the rims and fields looked like damage—maybe from being crushed in a vise or pressed against another coin
• Unlike real mint errors, such as a clipped planchet or collar clash, this damage was random and messy—not consistent at all

So this isn’t an error at all—it’s post-mint damage (PMD). That means it’s pretty much worthless to collectors.

Practical Advice for Collectors

After going through this, I’ve put together a few tips to help you avoid the same kind of disappointment:

• Weigh your coins first: Always start by weighing them. Even a 0.25-gram difference can be a sign of damage or alteration, like we saw with this 5.42-gram quarter
• Look for signs of damage: Check for uneven surfaces, tool marks, or dents on the rim. If the reeds are missing but the coin is lighter or has scratches, it’s probably PMD
• Get a good look at both sides: Don’t jump to conclusions without a thorough look. In this case, experts didn’t need extra photos—the damage was plain to see
• Know when to let go: If you keep hearing the same answer—like “it’s damaged”—it’s time to accept it and move on. There’s no point in beating a dead horse, and it can annoy other collectors too

Market and Grading Insights

Coins with this kind of damage have no real value to collectors, and grading services like PCGS or NGC won’t give them a good grade. Real errors have to show consistent flaws from the mint. For example, a genuine missing reeds error would look uniform—not like random damage. You might see altered coins sold as oddities, but they don’t command much of a premium. If you’re looking to invest, stick with certified errors.

Overall, this experience really drove home how important it is to be skeptical and keep learning in our hobby. Sure, the thrill of a potential find is exciting, but checking the facts—with a scale and expert advice—is what keeps coin collecting honest and fun. Happy hunting out there!