So what about this? This coin has an extreme gloss finish on only the obverse. It is extremely easy to mark, hence all the marks on obverse. Reverse is a normal looking 1995 Washington quarter other than the double U and die crack. I am very intrigued by this and find no other possibilities other than plating, but how can only one side be plated? It is also Non ferrous. Absolutley no magnetic effect with high power magnet and cancelled gravity.
That Washington does not look plated. Prooflike coins started to become common in the early 90's due to a change in mint technology - they began chrome plating and polishing the dies to prolong their life. Due to this, early strikes from a fresh die would often be prooflike. It is highly likely that the Washington you show had a fresh obverse die and an older reverse die (they don't necessarily change them both out at the same time - only when they need it).
