Coin and Paper Money Collecting/2003 Illinois quarter

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Question
I have a 2003 Illinois quarter that has no grooves on the edge. I noticed some older quarters would be worn down, but not smooth like this one. Is it possible to get a quarter that has no grooves on the edge from the mint, or is this just premature wear or something else? Thank you.

Answer
Rich,

Without seeing it, there's no way for me to tell for sure, but two possibilities are :

1) somebody has altered the rim by tapping it with a hammer-like object.  This will smooth out the edge and raise the rim abnormally high.  No collector value.

2) the coin was struck out of its retaining collar.  This coin will be missing the edge reeding on part or all of the rim.  The strike may appear slightly off-center.  Collector value is a couple dollars.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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