1964 and Before Vs. Modern Washington's

dakra

It seems to me that the modern Washington Quarters are more defined compared to their Silver-day counter parts. Is this true or have I just come across some bad examples. For instance, I look at one of the state quarters I have and the hair appears to be well defined. Comparing it to a 1959 and 1960 Proof, the hair is less defined and the coin looks "flat".

Without sounding silly... I figure since the 1960's, the design has been changed but what is normal for a 1950's/1960's Quarter? Anyone have any pic's they can post so I can compare some of the grades such as PR/MS 67 through 70.

Thanks,
Dave

Russ

I know they changed the obverse die for the Kennedy halves back in 1991, and this change made the hair far more defined. They may have done the same with the quarters. Personally, I like the earlier design better.

Russ, NCNE

TomB

The Mint changed the hubbing of Washingtons dramatically in the early '90s to improve striking efficiency and die life. In my opinion, they have made Washington look like he has dysentery.

coindaughter

His hair is way too curly lately! Just when did they invent home perms, anyway?

ClarkOfKent

I read here awhile back that the hair detail was added to make up for the eye-appeal lost with the overall lower profile of modern coins.

I guess this would go along with what TomB wrote... lower profile designs probably extend die life and require lower striking force.

I agree with Russ... on the Kennedys I much prefer the older style. The hair looks like it was combed with a very coarse comb (garden rake) on the new ones.

LucyBop

<< <i>I agree with Russ... on the Kennedys I much prefer the older style. >>



Me too, the ones dated 63 and earlier!

dakra

There was actually another thread in which someone asked if he could possibly get an MS66 on his Washington Quarter and after looking at it, I was skeptical. Through my limited knowledge I have been comparing those silver 50's and 60's with more modern issues. Needless to say, I have held back a bunch of my Silver Washington's because I didn't think they would make the grade.

I think the older washington's look flat compared to their modern counterpart. Does anyone agree or am I crazy?

Say, Russ... I have a few JFK's that are a bit hazed. Do you use that MS70 dip on them or do you use something else? I generally use acetone but I want to take extra care of the JFK's. Since I haven't tested anything with JFK's, I figured I would ask the expert.

-Dave

dakra

Older Vs Newer...

I'm use to seeing more recent Washington's. So anytime I look at them, I expect the "perm" I guess what I need to do is do a bit of history on them, look into the die changes and just get an idea of how they are graded. Does anyone have a pic of a MS/PR 69 or 70 pre-1964?

-Dave

TomB

I think what you will notice, if you compare the older hubbing coins with the newer hubbing coins, is that there are dramatic differences throughout the portrait. The cheekbone has been reduced in the newer coins and this results in a flater face with lower profile. This also helps give Washington a sallow look. Additionally, the musculature in the neck is almost completely removed, or, more correctly, the fatty tissue has been liposuctioned and Washington's skin is pressed firmly against the neck tissue. Also, his forehead has less curve to it. All of these changes, along with the deep, incuse lines in the hair, make Washington's hair his most prominent feature. They also reduce the highpoints of the design drastically and, therefore, extend die life in an efficient manner.

Android

The relief on the older quarters is so much higher. George's bust looks like a sculpture, which is what it's based on. The newer George almost looks like a caricature - flat, with little substance, two dimensional. George looks like he's got a bowl of spaghetti for hair. To me, the difference is REALLY pronounced when comparing Cameo proofs of both old and new.

Andy

cladking

The relief on the clad quarters has been lowered many times. This has affected
both the obverses and the reverses. The early clads essentially had the same
relief as the silvers.

Bear

What the Mint has done to our coinage in recent years, is a crime against aesthetics.

The tin foil wrapped chocolate coins look better..............taste better too.