Searching through quarters for my State/National Parks quarter collections, I came across this 2004-P Michigan State quarter. I asked several individuals what they thought might have caused this error, and the consensus was 'a strike-through.' Further research, using Alan Herbert's MINTING VARIETIES AND ERRORS fifth edition, resulted in my categorizing this coin as an INCLUDED GAS BUBBLE PLANCHET. If anybody has other/more thoughts, please share them with me. Thank you.
@KarlB It appears that the copper core is only visible in the wall of the recess, and I can only conclude that the bottom of the recess is actually the clad layer from the obverse of the coin. Interesting! Chris
Being from the Great State of Michigan I can tell you that you've got quite a find there! If it's not just somebody foiling around with the coin. Unrelated, but I laugh to think if a crater was to hit that spot I would be long gone. Keep it! I think it's a cool find..... or I'll trade you a shiny BU Michigan P for it
This is my guess too. I will try a different angle shot. The copper does not show all around the interior.
Out running errands. Will shoot the obverse when we get home. Originally I debated about shooting the obverse and decided not to because there was nothing 'exciting'.
I have circled approximately where the 'crater' is on the obverse. Also, it almost looks as if George has a 'doubled' tip of the nose. I used a 40x loupe and cannot really see any doubling. I included a picture using a filter which really shows off the nose area.
Here are a couple more shots of the 'crater'. On the floor of the crater is a line. I cannot tell what it is (40x loupe), other than 'straight', and there is depth/dimension, so possibly metal from Lake Huron?
The Red arrows(again sorry PS work) I have indicated look like a 'Bubbling'. Looks like a chemical process going on? Strange... The inner crater itself looks like it has a die crack running over it and is for the most part very smooth. I really like this coin the more I look at it. Happy Easter Everyone!
Is the "crater" raised or recessed? If it's recessed, and the area displays mint luster, then you're looking at a strike through. If it's raised, I would be inclined to go with the gas bubble inclusion theory, because the only other thing that makes sense is a honkin' big die dent.
The walls of the crater are concave Yeah, lots going on with this quarter. And I like it more and more. It's hard to capture everything going on, with the camera. We just got the macro lens so I am still learning to shoot 'close in'. Depth of field is really difficult. I have a clashed die, doubling on the obverse 1919 Buffalo Nickel that I will submit once I can get good pictures. Now THAT is a beautiful coin.
No, definitely not a strike-through because the walls of the crater are concave, like a balloon that is missing a surface, allowing the interior to be exposed.