1998 D Washington Quarter Question???

Ry_Nicerous

Hello, I am really new to the whole coin collecting thing. I have a Quarter and it looks like a torch or an I over the eagle's shoulder. Does anyone know what this is? Thank you for any help.

TomB

Howdy and welcome.

Your coin appears to have a scratch on the reverse from circulation and your eyes and brain are interpreting it to be a torch.

ricko

@Ry_Nicerous....Welcome aboard....I agree with @TomB... that is a scratch, or identified as PMD (Post Mint Damage), meaning it happened after leaving the mint and has no added numismatic premium. Good luck with your coins and feel free to come here for information/guidance. Cheers, RickO

jmski52

For a new collector, you seem to have focused upon a very nuanced artifact on a microscopic level. What motivated you to collect coins at this time?

Ry_Nicerous

I can see the "notch or scratch " without a microscope, but I would not doubt that my mind is finding patterns where there are none, as brains are wont to do. To answer your question, my grandfather tried to get me interested forever. I never took the time till he passed, and now I have grown an affection for his hobby. I like the hunt and just looking and learning new things about different pieces. What got you into collecting?

Ry_Nicerous

Oh and Thank You TomB

astrorat

Welcome and enjoy the 'whole coin collecting thing.'

There are lots of good folks here with a wealth of knowledge. Keep asking questions and maintain an open mind. Good luck!

Ry_Nicerous

Thank you all for making me feel welcome even with a "scratch" that I thought was more. It is refreshing because I have been nervous about asking anything. Always an open mind and up for being told when I'm just silly and wrong. Thank you again all