What are the Washington Quarter Type B Obverse Die Markers?

I did some searches and did not find anywhere to post this question, so here it is. The type b reverse is a Washington business strike quarter that was minted with a formerly used proof die used on the reverse.

How can one distinguish between a proof 1964 and a type b business strike?

Are there markers on the obverse that will provide the answer to this?

On ebay, people are selling proof quarters from 1957-1964 as type b reverse coins and I want to be able to distinguish between the two.

Thank you in advance for you time,

M.

 

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The type B is when the proof reverse die is used on the business strike coin. If I remberer correctly you see sharp arrow tips on the bundle the normal reverse the tips are covered.

Proof coins of that time frame are much more sharply defined in all aspects than the circulation coins.

 

Perhaps I didn't words my question clearly enough. I know how to identify the reverse, but the reverse of the type b is the same as the proof. My question is how can you distinguish the differences between the obverse (face of the coin) business strike type b from the obverse of a proof. From what I understand, the proof die was only used for the reverse of the type b coins. Does this make any sense?

 

I see what you mean I guess one would just have to look for the proof finish even circulated proofs still have the proof stike quality from what I have seen.

Arn't most proofs in that era still worth more than the type B circulated coins?

 

Yes, proof coins are worth more than type B silver circulated quarters.
But I would say unc type B are worth much more than proofs.
1969 D - 1972 D circulated type B-like (which have no D mint proof counterpart) are proving to be quite scarce and pricy. Three have recently sold on Ebay for $150 to $350 plus $15 S&H.

Here is one obverse characteristic that might help you. Proof coins are perfectly centered inside their rims. Circulation strikes are slightly offset and perhaps even more so for type B's.

 

Some Type B's have a very proof like obverse too, so judging by the finish might not be very helpful. Though, checking to see if it is centered that could be one way of telling the difference. Also, from the research I have recently gathered, and from observing the 1964 type b I own (I will post a photo here), the type b reverse die rotation is off and I believe that proofs are spot on, can anyone verify this for me? For example, when I hold my type b perfectly upright and flip it over vertically, the reverse rotation is off by about 5 degrees. So I think that is another way of telling.

This photo isn't to show the die rotation being off, I adjusted it for the photo when I was selling it on Ebay. Sadly enough, it sold and I have to say goodbye today. I can always get another one when I have money again. Anyway, this coin clearly shows that the obverse is not a proof finish, though it is a very brilliant uncirculated finish. If anyone else knows of any die markers on the obver of type b's, please let me know. Thank you for your time.

 

I see what you mean by the rotation, but isn't it on all Washington/eagle quarters?

 

No, I don't think so. I just check five quarters in my change and the reverse was 180 degrees opposite the front. On my type b, the reverse rotation is about 170-175 degrees different. Meaning, if you hold the coin by the edges with your thumb and forefinger (with obverse ("heads" side of the coin) facing you) and flip the coin so that the top takes the place of the bottom, the reverse takes the place of the obverse, but the reverse is not straight. The eagles head should line up directly above its feet, but on the type b, the eagles head in this case lines up to the left of its left foot, because the rotation is off. Can anyone validate this?

It does not show as being a very dramatic rotation difference in the image below, but it is noticeable. Especially when you compare it to other quarters. Anyway, here is the photo:


notice the arrow that the eagle is standing on, on most quarters it is horizontal when the coin is flipped over in this manner with Georges head in the upright position.