Expert: Dan Moore - 2/10/2008

Question
I have a 1989 Washington Quarter with no mint mark.  I cannot find anything anywhere on this coin.  I had a local coin dealer look at the coin and he told it has not been altered and is real.  He had never seen or heard of one either until now.  He told me I really need to send the coin in to be graded and recorded for "historical" reasons.  I just am too scared to send the coin in if it is really rare.  There was a newspaper clipping with the coin when I got it and it described the error.  Do you have any info on this coin???  Thanks in advance.

Answer
John,

Most likely this error is caused by a foreign substance (like machine grease) that got into the die and prevented the full strike of the coin.  This is not a rare error -- I get asked about it all the time -- estimated value is only a couple dollars, if you can find an interested collector.

I suggest you get the opinion of a couple more dealers, and if you still feel that you want to get it certified, check out the websites for the certification services.



Check these websites for listings of local coin shows where you can take the coin to be examined :

www.coinshows.com

www.coinworld.com



Certification service websites :

www.pcgs.com

www.ngccoin.com

www.anacs.com



I hope this helps,

Dan