Most coins are made to perfection… but every now and then, a minting flaw creates a legend. That’s exactly what happened with the 1796 “Blob Face” Drummer Boy Quarter — one of the rarest and most valuable early U.S. coins, now worth up to $1.5 million. 😲
Let’s dive into the bizarre story behind this numismatic mystery…
🇺🇸 Historical Significance
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter was among the first silver coins minted in America. But this strange “Blob Face” error variety, discovered centuries later, stands out for its shocking mistakes:
- 👤 Raised blob on Liberty’s face (likely from a die break or grease error)
- 📝 Misprinted motto: “E PLURIBUS UNION” instead of “UNUM”
- 🥁 Extra drummer’s stick on the reverse (only 3 known examples)
👉 With just 2–3 specimens known to exist, this error is considered a Holy Grail for collectors.
🔍 Key Identifiers
Obverse (Front – “Blob Face” Error)
- Liberty’s face looks partially melted with a strange lump
- 15 stars (13 colonies + Vermont & Kentucky), some distorted
Reverse (Back – “Drummer Boy” Error)
- Third drumstick near the eagle’s wing
- Motto reads “E PLURIBUS UNION” instead of UNUM
Authenticity Checks
✔ Weight: 6.74g (matches genuine 1796 quarters)
✔ Diameter: 27mm
✔ Edge: Reeded (not smooth)
✔ Non-magnetic (90% silver)
💰 Market Value (2024 Estimates)
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| VF-20 | Worn but visible “blob” | $500K – $750K |
| XF-40 | Clear error, light wear | $1M – $1.2M |
| MS-63+ | Sharp details, full luster | $1.5M+ |
📰 Recent Sale: In 2023, a PCGS XF-45 example sold privately for $1.5M.
⚠️ Beware of Fakes!
Counterfeits are everywhere. Watch for:
❌ Smooth edges (real coins have reeding)
❌ Correct “UNUM” motto (true error must read “UNION”)
❌ No raised blob (fake coins often “add” sloppy lumps)
📜 The Error That Made History
Experts believe this coin’s flaws came from:
- A cracked die (creating the blob on Liberty’s face)
- A worker engraving mistake (“UNION” instead of “UNUM”)
- A double-strike on the reverse (producing the 3rd drumstick)
Most were destroyed at the Mint, but a few slipped out — surviving over 228 years.
📈 Why Collectors Pay Millions
- 🔒 Registry Sets: Required for elite 1796 Draped Bust collections
- 🏆 Auction Potential: MS examples could hit $2M+
- 📜 Pedigree Premium: Coins linked to historic estates sell for 20% more
🛠️ How to Sell a “Blob Face” Quarter
- Submit to PCGS or NGC (grading fee: $500+ for high-value coins)
- Use Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers (best for rare errors)
- Prove authenticity with past auction records or family provenance
📖 Learn More on PennyVerse.info
📘 Free Guide: Top 10 Early U.S. Error Coins
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💬 Think you’ve found a **“Blob Face” quarter”? Share clear pictures with our community—we’ll help verify it.
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