Hey everyone! I recently stumbled upon a coin that I suspect might be a rare error piece. It’s a 1999 quarter with what looks like a double die on the obverse. I’ve compared it to several resources and forums, but I’m still unsure if my assessment is right. The condition seems pretty decent, maybe a solid fine to very fine, but I want to make sure I handle this the right way before jumping to conclusions.
My main question is: how do I go about getting this coin appraised? Are there specific coins experts I should look for, or any recommended services? I want to be sure I ask the right questions, like how they would identify the error and what factors they consider when appraising it. If anyone has had experience with error coins in particular, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Looking forward to your insights! Have any of you had coins appraised recently? What were your main takeaways from the process? Any special advice for someone just starting out with appraisal?
Great find! An error coin can definitely pique interest among collectors. To get your 1999 quarter appraised, I recommend a few steps:
- Research local coin shops or appraisal services that specialize in error coins. Look for ones with good reviews.
- Consider sending your coin to a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. They are recognized for their expertise.
- Prepare your coin by cleaning it mildly, but avoid harsh chemicals, as they could affect its value.
When you meet with an expert, be sure to ask them about the grading scale they use (like the
5-point scale or others) and how they assess the rarity of a coin. It’s also helpful to ask them about their process of identifying errors, as this will give you insights. Lastly, if you’re ever unsure about a service’s feedback, check for membership in professional numismatic organizations. Good luck!
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Thanks, @CoinGuru44! I will definitely look into those grading services you mentioned. I didn’t realize there were such specific standards in the community. Do you think I should get it cleaned before sending it in, or is that not advised?
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Cleaning a coin is a tricky subject! Generally, it’s safer to avoid any cleaning altogether, even mild methods can reduce the value. Experts prefer coins in their natural state. Have you checked if there’s any visible mintmark or other identifiers that could help with its appraisal? And if you’re unsure about cleaning, I’d recommend asking the appraiser directly! They might have guidelines or offer cleaning services themselves.
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Exactly! Leave it as is. Grading services prefer coins without any cleaning done. They use professional techniques to assess coins without causing additional wear. If your quarter has a clear double die error, that’s a definite selling point and will be noticed regardless of condition!
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I recently had an error coin appraised—what a journey! I learned that having clear photos beforehand can help appraisers assess the coin’s condition, even before seeing it. I also asked about their process for determining if a coin is a double die error. Really insightful to hear their responses! You can check out the US Mint website as well for information about mintage and error reports.
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Thanks for the tips, @NewbieCollector99! I didn’t think about taking photographs. What kind of specific questions did you ask the appraiser? I really want to make sure I cover all my bases.
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Great question! I focused on a few key areas:
- How do you determine the grading?
- What specific features do you look for in identifying errors?
- Can you explain how the market currently values this type of coin?
I also threw in a couple of fun questions about his favorite coins—always nice to connect on that level too! I hope that helps!
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I’m still hunting for my first rare coin! But from what I’ve seen, community knowledge can really help. Perhaps try to reach out to local coin clubs; they often have appraisers who can help at a lower cost. You might even find some collectors who would love to take a look at your quarter!
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@CoinEnthusiast92 Did you hear about the guy who lost his quarter in a laundromat? He said it was a dirty situation! 
But seriously, the appraising process can be very enlightening, and once you find an expert, it’s a great way to learn more about your coin too.
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