Roll-Searchers Unite: My Adventures in Coin Hunting and What I’ve Found
July 10, 2025The W’s Are Still Out There: My Journey Hunting for West Point Quarters
July 10, 2025
I’m always drawn to coins that make me look twice, like that 2000 D Maryland quarter I found last month. It didn’t show the usual copper edge and had an unusual silvery shine – enough to make any collector pause and wonder.
My First Impressions
When I picked up that quarter, my immediate thought was “silver?” The rim looked completely uniform without that telltale copper band. Like many of you probably would, I tried the drop test against a known silver quarter. Honestly? The sound difference was so slight I couldn’t trust my own ears – it’s a tricky method that takes real practice. That’s why I went straight to my scale: silver quarters tip at about 6.30 grams, while clad coins like this one land near 5.67 grams. When this Maryland quarter hit exactly 5.67, my suspicions were confirmed.
Testing Tricks That Actually Work
If you spot a questionable coin in your collection, here’s what I’ve found reliable:
- Grab a good scale: Weight doesn’t lie – silver’s density makes it heavier every time
- Try the drop test carefully: Silver rings clearer, but you’ll need a known silver coin for comparison and a quiet room
- Study that edge: No copper sandwich effect? Probably plated or altered
The Plating Problem
Here’s what sealed it for me: the mint only made silver Maryland quarters as proofs with the S mint mark. This Denver-minted coin had normal weight and details. Sadly, it’s a common story – during the state quarter boom, companies plated regular coins and sold them in fancy boxes at ridiculous markups. I’ve seen these sets go for less than $5 online recently. Once buyers realized they’d been had, many dumped these plated coins into circulation.
Straight Talk for Collectors
If you find one of these plated quarters, enjoy it as a curiosity but don’t expect value. The plating damages the surface, making it ungradeable and basically face-value metal. I’ve learned to always check mint marks and weight before getting excited. Those flashy sets? They’re everywhere in secondary markets now – a good reminder to research before buying “special” issues. When in doubt, stick with PCGS or NGC for authentication; they’ll spot alterations we might miss.
We’ve all chased that exciting find that turned out ordinary, but that’s part of what makes collecting rewarding. Every “almost” teaches us something new. Keep your eyes open and your scale handy – happy hunting!
