I found a quarter at work last night and have some questions. Actually I wondered if it was counterfeit but why make quarters? The quarter is very shiny (like the new state quarters...) and lighter than a similar quarter from that year (again like the new quarters). The image almost looks like it is coated in that the image isn't sharp. Well, I imagine this is all too vague to really give you much information. This is the first time I have posted. I don't have a camera to take a photo but will try to find one. Let me know what other information you might need. Thanks Sienna
I'm usually good at this but I'm stimied here. A good approximation of weight might prove crucial. Very heavily polished perhaps?
I will try to get the photo today. Not sure if I have anything sensitive enough to weigh it. thanks for responding S
ff-topic: Are you close to Ft Lenardwoods MO???? I had a Army buddy that was a drill instructor there from 1979-1984.he had his troop spit shine there pocket change 1c 5c 10c 25c. ! He was one crazy Dude give a little power & B/S like that happen in there US Army if so you may have some of his troops change.
I recently found one of these quarters at work also. It is a 1981 Quarter with a polished (very shiny) background with the raised eagle and profile of George washington being more dull. My quarter has a S mark on the front. This indicates that it was a proof coin. There were over 4 million of them made in 1981. I'm guessing that is what you have also. Unfortunately, they are not particularly valuable. Just pretty cool looking. Look online for 1981 quarter with S mark and you will see some pictures. Hope this helps.
Wow! Someone spent a proof quarter? They were either desperate or didn't know what it was. Do you work somewhere where you handle a lot of coins? A 1981 proof qtr may not be worth a lot, but it was worth more than 25c... Maybe $2-$3 before it was circulated.
I found a proof 1981-S SBA once. It came as change from the stamp vending machine at my P.O.. It looked almost pristine.
When wholesalers bust up proof sets to make rolls the substandard coins are usually just spent. All cu/ ni clad quarters are very nearly the same size and weight. There is some variation in thickness but the weight is the "same". Weight was decreased about 1% in 1999 but otherwise there is no difference.
