To begin: I'm absolutely not a coin collector and as such don't have the required tools of the trade to enlarge, photograph or e-send pictures; what I do have are some coins w/flaws, specifically a 2007 P MONTANA QUARTER which has a 'lump' on the head of the steer to the left of the right horn (facing the steer) and the bottom of the lower loop of the right '8' is filled in....the head of the steer should be completely smooth which indicates this is a significant error. In researching this I've read that to date there are no known errors on this particular coin. I also have what I believe to be a small date 1982 D penny. Found these in a jar I was saving to take to the bank etc etc. I'm uncertain as to what the next step should be and am open to input.
Sounds like a die chip. Likely no added value, unless it is REALLY large. In all likelihood, it is only worth 25c to 50c. Wait for other opinions. They will ask for pictures, though.
They made millions in Copper Plated zinc planchets. Only the Copper Planchet is extremely rare! Only 3 examples have ever been found over the decades. And hundreds of threads here on CoinTalk of people thinking they have a 4th but always incorrect. That's why we need pictures!
Do you not have a cell phone? We've the facilities right here to upload the files, you don't need anything extra.
Photos are the next best thing to having coins in-hand, and even then, they are often difficult to decode. If you are unfamiliar with how to upload "FULL SIZE" photos, please ask and we can guide you through it. If you have a "smart phone" you should be able to capture a decent enough photo and upload it. This is a suggestion for taking the photos. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask for help.
It’s sounds like your Montana Quarter has a die chip. If so, they are neat to find and nice to have a few but they are only worth face value. Use your cell phone to get and post photos as they are the key to helping you determine what’s going on with your coin.
Thx....and yes it is considerably large.... again not familiar w/the terminology i tho't it might be a CUD and of course I realize the importance of photos so I guess I'll have to buy a coin microscope.
I don't use my cell phone other than to rarely make a call but i'll ask my neighbor to try; I also really loved the bottlecap suggestion and will for sure use it.From the research I've done I have seeN some pics posted that are really terrible. As I said in a previous post I suppose I'll have to buy a coin microscope/camera. And thx for the offer to help.....
We're going to try your illustration but I have two questions since I want to be sure to get it right: appx what is the combined height of the two books and will any old bottle cap do or is there a specific one to use? many thx MIMI VEE
Well, the height (I use a soup can) is any that your phone can focus on the coin and still fill the viewer, and it doesn't have to be a bottle cap, just anything about that height, that is smaller than the coin so it doesn't get in the photo, and the camera focuses on the coin only. And adjust two or more sources of light so there aren't any shadows in the finished photo, then upload and click that Full Image button to add to your post. Good luck.
CAN'T BEGIN TO THANK YOU ENOUGH....this will be my to-do project on Sat so fingers crossed !!!! and I'll stick w/the bottlecap. By the way: went to a coin shop and the Numismatic Museum and both agreed the Montana quarter in fact had mint errors.
Flaws are not errors. Just start from the assumption that most of what you are seeing is damage from circulation. Coins get little love during manufacture, distribution, and abuse in circulation. Most of the things you will find are trivial/minor (misaligned dies, die chips (your lump), the lot). They have zero to minimal extra value... cool finds, but that's it. https://www.error-ref.com/ The one in a billion major error is valuable because it's one in a billion and a major error. https://minterrornews.com/ For photography, you will need to experiment, but stack enough books up and see what happens. You want to /1/ have the coin fill most of the picture and /2/ [more important] be in focus. Oh, and /3/ press the shutter button gently (don't STAB at it) or even check if your phone has a voice mode (cheese or shoot are the usual words). I own a table saw and cut some blocks of wood at various heights once I had figured them out from the stack of books.
