New Obverse Modification Discovery: 2008-2009 Quarters
DesertCoin
Posts: 339 ✭✭✭
I have noticed some previously undocumented changes to the obverse of the Washington Quarter. The change itself is uninteresting, but I'm hoping there are mules out there (like the 2008 rev 07 ASE) that can be located.
Officially, the quarter design was unchanged for the 2009 quarters (the next year they intentionally modified it for 2010-2021). The 2008 quarters carry the exact same obverse as the rest of the state quarter series. However, the obverse was actually slightly modified in 2009. If anyone can find a 2009 quarter (most likely a Washington D.C.) with the obverse of 2008 that would be a significant discovery.
The most noticeable change is the Q in QUARTER. It nearly touches the rim in 2009, while on earlier issues it is higher up. Additional differences can be found throughout the lettering, as well as updated mintmarks from all three mints (Denver's is the least pronounced). In each set of photos the first is a 2008 Hawai'i and the second is a 2009 D.C.
Happy hunting! Let me know right off if y'all find anything!
Image credits PCGS
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Interesting 🙂
I might add, the 2009 obv 08 is possible, as evidenced by the 2008 rev 07 ASE, whereas the 2010 obv 09 is not possible due to all the obverse dies having been intentionally changed to the new type. This was officially the same obv, so it may not have merited a complete reset.
“Land of the free because of the brave”
“Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”
In Deo solo confidimus
Member since 2026
Successful BST transactions with: Ted 1, JWP, bigjpst, Vetter, nickelsciolist,
I am interested in sharing your images/information giving you credit.
Take a peek at the "S" mint mark & the rest of the S's in the united states also !
As well as the Philly mintmark, not very noticeable on the Denver mm.
My Collection of Old Holders
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Good catch!> @mach19 said:
R of AMERICA, G of GOD. I love this kind of stuff!
In the Springs of 2009 I went to the Philadelphia Mint for COINage Magazine to cover the release of the Ultra High Relief St. Gaudens recreation. I got a VIP tour of the Engraving Department, where they were transitioning to computer controlled “Engraving.” I assume that this transitioning was what caused all these minor tweaks.
So much for going to be dearly tonight. I went through my Proof, Silver Proof, and MS quarters and they all have the same design. I didn't dig out my Satin Finish quarters.
You might focus on the D.C. quarters. They were the first design issued and are the top candidate for a Rev 08. Although with proofs or satin it could as easily be any of them.
“Land of the free because of the brave”
“Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”
In Deo solo confidimus
Member since 2026
Successful BST transactions with: Ted 1, JWP, bigjpst, Vetter, nickelsciolist,
Very interesting, thanks for sharing! 🙂
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