Hey guys, so I got this quarter out of my Uncles coin collection from his Grandmother It’s a great condition 1956-D quarter but it’s all black. Is this an error, environmental damage, OR I’ve heard the terms floated around of * Black Beauty* improperly annealed at the time of Minting. Is it valuable? Thoughts, opinions greatly appreciated?? Thanks you much.
Appears to be environmental damage IMO. You can see some of the silver showing through on Washington's head. I'd be willing to bet @paddyman98 can show you many that look like that and were buried. He is an avid metal detector and expert in error coins. BTW, welcome to CT. Also, please post photos "full size" not thumbnail.
Environmental damage..yours is a silver Planchet that can become dark also with Environmental Exposure... Clad Quarters are made of Cupro-Nickel.. So when exposed to the elements they can turn a very dark color Here are examples from my detecting hunts - Nickels also
Yes.. It was a stunning find! They must of been that way for many years under like 4 inches of soil. I really need to get myself a GoPro camera to record my detecting trips!
The only true black beauty is an 1959! Again....yes correct there may of been other dates pryor or after 1959......but the term "BLACK BEAUTY" is from an 1959 Jefferson nickel. Thoughout the history of minting coins there been many minted on blanks that were not processed correctly. A perfect example of the woodie cents and nickels.... from the 1900's thru 1930's you'll see or find woodies......how many do you find with dates after the 1930's yes a few.... but most were minted durring that time peroid.
