
This $84,000 Quarter Has
Your pocket change just got a whole lot more interesting. Imagine finding a quarter that looks perfectly normal… until you flip it over, and it has the same design on both sides! No “heads,” just two “tails.”
This isn’t a magic trick or a fake novelty. A genuine Washington Quarter struck with two reverse (back) sides just shocked the collecting world by selling for a mind-blowing $84,000 at auction. Let’s dive into this numismatic mystery and learn how to tell if your “error” coin is a worthless fake or a life-changing treasure. 👇
Step 1: Understanding the “Double Reverse” Error 🤔
First, let’s get our terms right. A normal U.S. quarter has:
- Obverse (Heads): George Washington’s portrait.
- Reverse (Tails): An eagle or state/national park design.
A double reverse error occurs when a coin is struck with the reverse die on both the hammer and anvil sides of the press. This means both sides of the coin show the “tails” design, with one side being mirror-imaged or slightly misaligned.
🔍 Key Takeaway: This is a major minting error, a legitimate mistake made at the U.S. Mint during production. It is not intended for circulation.
Step 2: The $84,000 Shock vs. The $8 Fake 😲
This is the most critical part of the story. The market is flooded with counterfeit “magic trick” coins, but a real mint error is astronomically rare and valuable.
- The REAL Deal (Sold for $84,000):
- Origin: A genuine error from the U.S. Mint.
- Details: Struck on a legitimate quarter planchet (blank). The designs are struck into the metal with the full force of the coin press.
- Value: Certified examples are museum-level rarities. The recent sale proves collectors will pay a fortune for this authenticity.
- The FAKE Novelty (Sells for ~$8):
- Origin: Made in a workshop, not a mint.
- Details: Often created by grinding off one side of two coins and welding them together (a “magician’s coin”). You can sometimes feel a seam on the edge.
- Value: Worthless to collectors; only has novelty value.
👉 Pro Tip: If you find a double-sided coin, DO NOT clean it, scratch it, or try to “test” it aggressively. You could destroy a fortune.
Step 3: How to Certify Your Coin & Prove Its Value 🏷️
If you think you’ve found a potential error coin, certification by a top-tier service is non-negotiable. It’s the only way to prove authenticity and unlock its full value.
Here is your step-by-step guide to certification:
- Handle with Care: Use clean cotton gloves or hold the coin by its edges.
- Visit PCGS: Go to PCGS.com/submissions (with an ‘s’).
- Navigate the Online Center: PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is the industry leader. Their online submission center will guide you through:
- Selecting a Service Level: Choose based on the coin’s estimated value.
- Describing Your Coin: Clearly note it as a potential “double reverse striking error.”
- Packaging Instructions: Learn how to safely ship your coin to them.
- Submit & Wait: They will professionally grade, authenticate, and encapsulate your coin in a sonically-sealed, tamper-proof holder with a unique certification number.
📈 Why Certify? A PCGS/NGC slab guarantees authenticity, protects the coin, and makes it liquid and sellable on the global market. That $84,000 quarter was almost certainly certified.
Step 4: What to Look For in Your Change 🔎
Before you get too excited, remember true errors are incredibly rare. But it’s fun to check!
- Check Both Sides: Seriously, look at the front and back. Is Washington on both sides? Is the eagle on both sides?
- Examine the Edge: Look for a seam (a sign of a fake). A real error coin will have a continuous, mint-made reeded edge.
- Feel the Strike: The design should be sharply impressed into the metal, not glued or layered on.
- When in Doubt, Get it Checked: If something looks truly odd, take it to a local reputable coin dealer for a preliminary opinion.
Conclusion: Your Pocket Change Adventure Awaits!
The story of the $84,000 double-reverse quarter is a thrilling reminder that history and fortune can be hiding in plain sight. While finding such a coin is like winning the lottery, the hunt is part of the fun. It teaches us about minting processes, economics, and the value of verification.
Have you ever found a weird coin? Share your stories in the comments below! And if you think you’ve hit the jackpot, remember: PCGS.com/submissions is your first step toward turning a curious quarter into a certified treasure.
👇 Pin this guide to your collecting board and share it with a fellow treasure hunter!
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