Hello, I recently came across a 1999 S Connecticut quarter (clad, not silver) in my change. I have not found anything to indicate that any of these were released in general circulation. Still seems to have most of a mirror finish and is in really nice condition. My best guess is someone got in daddy's coin collection. Any body know anything different I am missing?
Nope. You probably guessed right. Or some collectors just spend proofs that aren't worth more than face (like if it was already damaged etc.) I've found a handful in my change as well.
Hi, Gunny! Welcome to the neighborhood, and thank you for your service to our country. Proof coins that are found in circulation are referred to as "Impaired Proofs". Yes, sometimes they make their way into circulation because some kid raided his Dad's collection, but they can also be dumped into circulation by dealers who submitted the proof sets in bulk to a grading service. Dealers receive a discount on their bulk submissions, but when some of the coins do not meet their minimum grade requirement, they are returned to the dealer "raw". The dealer then has the option of trying to sell them ungraded or just dumping them back into circulation. Chris
It was just cool to find it. I haven't actively collected in years other than the state and nat.park quarters. Just gleaning from my pocket change. My stuff is all in a big trunk I pull out once in a while. Unfortunately, neither of my kids have gotten into it. Haven't found silver in forever but still pick up plenty of wheats and pre-60s nickels.
By coincidence, this is the second thread about an impaired proof in the last couple days. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/impaired-kennedy-half-proof.266059/#post-2190971 Chris
