It seems there is something amiss with the 2007-P state quarters I have. On this Idaho quarter this strange polished area is on the obverse and reverse. On the obverse there is also a die crack near the bottom of the bust. The O in God is also wider around. Both of these features may not reflect in my photos. The reverse also shows this polished area in the breast of the chicken and partially in the panhandle of the state. There is also an odd anomaly at the corner of the state which I thought may be a die chip.
i believe thats struck thru a very thin layer of grease, i find a lot like that on recent coins, especially nickels, found many like that while roll searching, its like a very thin layer of the coins surface is missing...
Here is a 2007-P Wyoming quarter with some of the same polished area on the obverse. Notice there are some serious wounds to Washington's nose. The reverse shows some more polished area behind the rider and above the horse's head. I also included a pic of the tail of the horse which shows a machined doubled tail. Its not the best pic. I can try to take more.
When I was searching Mint bags of SQ's, I noticed a lot of quarters with similar surfaces beginning in 2005 and continuing through 2008. I came to the conclusion that the dies being used for the satin finish coins would begin to wear out sooner than expected. Not wanting to waste the remaining useful life of these dies, the Mint decided to polish them for use in striking circulating coins. Chris
Right below the F in of George has a knot on his noggin. Small die chip I am guessing. 2008-D New Mexico. Ah the fond memories of NM.
