Drummer Quarter CUD Error
🪙 Found a “Weird” Drummer Quarter? Don’t Spend It Yet!
If you’ve ever found a Bicentennial “Drummer Boy” quarter with a strange bump, blob, or missing design, don’t toss it aside.
What looks like damage could actually be a rare CUD error — a legitimate U.S. Mint mistake that collectors actively seek and pay good money for 💎
Some examples sell for $89 to over $300, depending on size and condition.
💥 What Is a CUD Error Coin?
A CUD error happens when part of the minting die breaks off during production.
When the damaged die continues striking coins, it creates:
- Raised blobs of metal
- Blank or missing sections of the design
- Distorted lettering near the rim
Because the metal is raised (not cut or scratched), this confirms the error happened during minting, not after.
🔍 How to Identify a CUD Error on a Drummer Quarter
🧠 Key Characteristics to Look For
- ✔️ Raised metal along the rim or edge
- ✔️ Missing letters or design details
- ✔️ Smooth, rounded surfaces (not sharp damage)
- ✔️ No scrape marks or tool lines
📌 Most CUD errors appear near the rim, where dies are weakest.
💰 Drummer Quarter CUD Error Value Guide
CUD errors are increasingly popular with collectors, especially on iconic coins like the Bicentennial quarter.
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (CUD Error) | Uncertified | 💵 $80 – $100+ |
| Bicentennial Quarter (Certified) | PCGS / NGC Graded | 💎 $150 – $300+ |
🧠 Collector Tip:
Large, dramatic CUDs that affect lettering, the drummer, or the rim command the highest prices.
🛠️ How to Certify a CUD Error Coin (Step by Step)
Professional certification significantly increases trust and resale value.
✅ Follow These Steps:
- 🧤 Handle only by the edges (use cotton gloves)
- 📸 Take clear photos of both sides in good lighting
- 🌐 Visit:
- PCGS Submission Center
- NGC Submission Page
- 🏷️ Select “Mint Error” as the category
- 📦 Ship using insured, registered mail
Once certified, your coin becomes far easier to sell and authenticate.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these costly errors:
- ❌ Cleaning or polishing the coin
- ❌ Confusing damage with raised mint errors
- ❌ Selling major errors without certification
Remember: raised metal = mint error
cut or scratched metal = damage
🏁 Final Thoughts: That “Ugly” Coin Could Be Valuable
A Drummer Bicentennial Quarter with a CUD error may look broken — but to collectors, it’s a hidden gem 💰
Before you spend or discard a strange-looking quarter, inspect it carefully.
You could be holding a $89–$300+ collectible in your hand 🪙
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