Experimental State Quarters

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by ERROR HUNTER, Dec 19, 2009.

  1. ERROR HUNTER

    ERROR HUNTER Coins,Stamps

    There are approximately 15 known 1999 State Quarters struck on Experimental Planchets. All five states in the 1999 series (DE, PA, CT, GA and NJ) have been discovered.

    [​IMG][​IMG] [​IMG]These Experimental State Quarters have sold for as high as $10,000 each, depending on which state, the coin's condition and which type of experimental composition was used.

    [​IMG]There are four known types of experimental compositions which have been discovered so far on 1999 State Quarters.
    • Type #1 - This type has the "color" of a Sacagawea Dollar and has the copper center core.
    • Type #2 - This type has the "color" of the Sacagawea Dollar but does not have the copper center core.
    • Type #3 - This type has a slight "green" color and has the copper center core.
    • Type #4 - This type has a slight "green" color but does not have the copper center core.
    [​IMG]Here are a few "telltale" signs to determine if you have discovered a State Quarter on an EXPERIMENTAL PLANCHET in circulation:
    • WEIGHT - The weight on ALL of these discovered so far is OVERWEIGHT - varying from 5.9 grams to 6.3 grams.
    • SIZE - It is slightly THICKER than a regular State Quarter, due to the heavier planchet.
    • COLOR - So far, the pieces discovered are either the same "color" of the Sacagawea Dollar, or have a slight "green hue" to them.
    • LOOK - The edge is slightly rough and may have a higher rim around part of the edge.
    • EDGE - Some of these do NOT have the center COPPER CORE.
    • STRIKE - None discovered so far are proof-like in the fields.
    • REEDING - Some of these have incomplete reeding.
    [​IMG]These coins were analyzed by spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) using electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-rays to determine the alloy composition. The predominant metal is copper, followed by zinc. There are also small percentages of manganese and nickel. PCGS and NGC have both authenticated and certified these 1999 State Quarters as being struck on experimental planchets.

    [​IMG]A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for copies of any reports and test results was submitted to the Department of the Treasury. They acknowledged that “the U.S. Mint conducted engineering and metallurgical tests as part of its development of an alloy for the Golden Dollar”, but would not release any information.
     
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  3. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Interesting. What are the chances of me finding one these so called "experimentals" in circulation?
     
  4. Duke Kavanaugh

    Duke Kavanaugh The Big Coin Hunter

    Very little I'd guess.

    How were they distrubutied is a better question? So we know where to look...
     
  5. Daniel3389

    Daniel3389 New Member

    I believe I just found one How would I go about getting it appraised or checked out?
     
  6. mona willhite

    mona willhite Member

  7. mona willhite

    mona willhite Member

    I this one of them
     
  8. mona willhite

    mona willhite Member

    how?
    I might have one the pics above
     
  9. Oldhoopster

    Oldhoopster Member of the ANA since 1982

    Take it to a lab for SEM/EDS. A lot of Universities do this and you can probably google some private labs. It's probably going to cost $100-$200 but if you really think you have one and don't think it's environmental damage (toning), then that's your proof
     
  10. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    I swear I've seen a ton of these slightly discolored quarters. Oh, the jackpots I let slip...
     
  11. TheFinn

    TheFinn Well-Known Member

    Ox-E-day-shun
     
  12. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    Holy zombie thread:dead:
     
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