Sunday Error Coin Redux??

DieClash

I posted an "error" coin to the following thread awhile back: Link to Error Coin thread last post on pg. 7. I got a PM response from a fellow collector indicating that my 1988 Quarter appeared to be an example of a "spooned" coin and consequently post-mint alteration as opposed to a Mint-error coin.

I had to check around for some info on "spooned" coins, but it seems that spooning refers to the use of a spoon to smooth the edge of a coin. Which happens to be a process used to create coin rings (Spoon coin ring link)

My question for the experts on this panel is do you think that the 1988 quarter specimen is in fact "spooned". If so, why? I think I understand the practice on semi-precious metal coins, but a 1988 clad quarter? If not "spooned" then what process at the mint could produce this error?

OffCenter

Maybe not "spooned" but certainly NOT a mint error. There is no step in the minting process where the damage on your coin could take place. It is post mint damage with out a doubt.

Learning about the minting process will help you determine mint error vs. post mint damage more then anything. While you might not be able to say how it happened outside of the mint, it will definitely help you know that it couldn't have happened inside of the mint.

erroid

Ditto, knowing the minting process is a MUST for error collectors. The best book out there is "The Error Coin Encyclopedia", either the original or the 4th edition by Arnold Margolis and Fred Weinberg.

Broadstruck

Post Mint Damage, as it looks like a Cold Turkey coin as it was tapped continually on a hard surface... maybe by someone who just quit smoking?

This is what a coin would start to look like if it was to be a coin ring, however this practice is only done with 90% silver pre-64 coinage.

FredWeinberg

Yes, this Quarter is "spooned" or the term "tapped", as is
sometimes used.

As to why someone would do it - all I can say is you'd be
surprised what people do to their coins and currency !!

seanq

That coin could have also spent some time in a commercial washer or drier. A few years ago someone put a lot of coins up on eBay which had been found in the course of repairing equipment at laundromats, and many of them had a similar "spooned" look after spending months or years tumbling around inside the drum or agitator of the machines.


Sean Reynolds

DieClash

<< <i>Ditto, knowing the minting process is a MUST for error collectors. The best book out there is "The Error Coin Encyclopedia", either the original or the 4th edition by Arnold Margolis and Fred Weinberg. >>



Looks like I've got another book to add to the coin library.

The "spooning" effect is deceptively perfect on this quarter, which is why I thought it was perhaps an error.

Thanks to all the experts for your opinions!

fcloud

It could simply be someone honing their skills before they "hit" the precious metal. It does look like post mint damage to me.

Musky1011

one too many times through the slot machine

I find half dollars like that in roll searches

Jim

gonzer

Broadstruck's notion of a smoker trying to quit pretty much nailed it. Another option would be someone who's laid up on their back and can't handle Oprah or Jerry anymore.

pontiacinf

<< <i>That coin could have also spent some time in a commercial washer or drier. A few years ago someone put a lot of coins up on eBay which had been found in the course of repairing equipment at laundromats, and many of them had a similar "spooned" look after spending months or years tumbling around inside the drum or agitator of the machines.


Sean Reynolds >>



my exact first thought

DieClash

TTT for educational purposes