Rippled - wavy background on coins

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by spyderj, Nov 9, 2007.

  1. spyderj

    spyderj New Member

    I have opened a new roll of Wyoming Quarters and most of the coins have a distinct wavy or rippled background - the waves are on Washingtons neck and the entire background of the coin. No ripples are on the lettering or Washington face. Is this common or would this be considered and error?

    Thanks,

    Jeff
     

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  3. bigjohn

    bigjohn New Member

    I belive it's just from grease on die , i could be wrong
     
  4. kanga

    kanga 65 Year Collector

    I know there's an "orange peel" effect that is caused by overused dies.
    This could be what you've got.
    Sure looks like it.

    Is that a die crack going from the rim below the mintmark to the bow?
    That would support the "overused die" conjecture.
     
  5. coleguy

    coleguy Coin Collector

    A lot of my Wyoning and Idaho quarters have that effect on both sides. I just assumed it was how they all looked.
    Guy~
     
  6. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    Yeah I think Kanga is right---there is that orange peel look, and that would point the way of an older/over-used die.
    I think I also see some die fatigue on the letters and such...that would also go the way of an over-used die.

    Speedy
     
  7. spyderj

    spyderj New Member

    With this condition then, is it collectible or should I just roll them up and turn them back in to the bank?

    Thanks,
    Jeff
     
  8. coleguy

    coleguy Coin Collector

    Well, it's still Mint State, as technically thats how they came out of the machines. But, it all depends on whether you like how they look or not.
    Guy~
     
  9. WoodenSpoon Boy

    WoodenSpoon Boy New Member

    I kind of see that ripple effect in patches on quarters. It seems to be pretty common
     
  10. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Spend them, there are millions to be had without the orange peel effect.
     
  11. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    That is an overly worn die. The rippled effect is caused by the metal flow over the surface of the die by the planchets during the strike. Eventually if the die remains in use it will form heavy radial flow lines
     
  12. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    I believe, as others, that die fatigue is the cause of this. There are generally no premiums paid for this, and it is not an error, per se...Mike
     
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