Beautiful 1989 D Quarter with significant ghosting

Discussion in 'Error Coins' started by Inspector43, Oct 21, 2025 at 10:04 PM.

  1. Inspector43

    Inspector43 More than 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    This quarter has the best MS surface I have seen in circulation grade. Plus, it has great ghosting that I had to shoot from various positions to get the entire affect.

    Feedback will be appreciated. 251021172015768.jpg 251021172032160.jpg 251021172045190.jpg 251021172324380.jpg 251021172400922.jpg 251021172439190.jpg
     
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  3. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Questions for you or the group. :);)
    What is the "ghosting" caused by? Also, doesn't circulated mean an Almost Uncirculated coin? It sure looks like a MS coin. Maybe MS63?
     
    Inspector43 likes this.
  4. KBBPLL

    KBBPLL Well-Known Member

    Progressive Indirect Die Transfer aka ghosting - https://www.error-ref.com/progressive-indirect-design-transfer/.

    I'm guessing that by "circulation grade" @Inspector43 means circulation coins as opposed to proofs.
     
  5. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

  6. MeowtheKitty

    MeowtheKitty Well-Known Member

  7. KBBPLL

    KBBPLL Well-Known Member

    I'm still not sure if I've wrapped my head around it but basically it seems that a coin is slowly getting struck onto the opposite die through the planchets.
     
    SensibleSal66 likes this.
  8. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Here you go. Try to figure it out if you dare. :woot:

    Ghosting in coin collecting refers to a phenomenon where a faint, incuse (sunken) or raised mirror image of a design element appears on the coin, often as a result of unusual striking conditions or die issues. Here are key points about ghosting: - It can occur when a coin is struck through a late-stage die cap, which is a thin metal cap formed on the die after multiple strikes. This causes a muted, distorted, and incomplete raised "ghost image" of the design to appear. - Ghost images may also form due to progressive, indirect design transfer, sometimes called "internal metal displacement," where metal flows inside the planchet creating a faint duplicate of design elements. - Another type is the incuse ghost image, which can happen when a planchet is unusually thin or struck off-center, producing a mirror image of the opposite side’s design pressed into the coin. - Greasy ghosts occur when grease or die fill accumulates on the die, transferring a faint, incuse mirror image of the opposite design onto the coin. These coins are usually well struck but show ghost images due to die contamination. How to distinguish ghosting: - Ghost images are never expanded or distorted like brockages. - Fine details in ghost images are muted or lost, with only the highest relief parts recognizable. - The thinner the metal, the clearer the ghost image. - Ghost images can be incuse (sunken) or raised depending on the cause. For more detailed examples and images, you can visit Error-Ref's Ghost Images page (https://www.error-ref.com/ghost-images-formed-by-grease/). Summary: Ghosting is a type of mint error or variety where a faint, mirror-like image of a design element appears on a coin due to die caps, grease, thin planchets, or metal displacement during striking. It is distinct from brockage errors and can be identified by its muted, non-expanded appearance.
     
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