Expert: PAPAJACK - 7/29/2007

Question
i received a quarter which clearly one could tell was different from other Illinois quarters. however amongst comparing them the engravement on the back is more defined and the male figure is skinnier than another one. can you tell me why this may have happened and if it is caused by a misprint. the letters on the front of the quarter are barely there. thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Ginamarie,                    

Without seeing this it’s hard to say. The blank could be undersize in thickness and it would cause the image to be off as you describe.
There is a Struck through grease error. This coin exhibits weak or all together missing design elements due to the die being clogged with a combination of grease and dirt. There is an uneven surface where the design elements are weak. Since it is relatively easy to fake this error, only uncirculated coins are considered collectible. This is the most common of all struck through errors

But it may have bee squeezed or misshappened after it left the mint. This condition will not have a premium value added to it. As an oddity it may sell for a dollar or less.

If you want I can refer you to a dealer in your area who can look at the coin in person for more help, write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack