Type B Washington Quarters

I got two of 'em!

This is unbelievable. From 1956 thru 1962, I only own two BU quarters. I picked them both up on ebay just this weekend for a combined $11. It turns out they are *both* Type B!

They are MS-sixty-something, but . . . I dunno which . . .

Here are the scans -- but my scanner does an awful job on coins that still have mint luster. They look beautiful in person, but not so good in these pix. I think I need someone with a good eye to see these in person.

The 1961:


The 1959:

 

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No obvious distractions on the reverses which makes me think that perhaps these are proof coins. The strike looks very good which also points me at a proof. I also do not see any indication of die cracks which can be common on Washington Quarters especially on the wings.

Please post scans of the obverse and check the fields very carefully. If they are proofs, the fields will be devoid of any satiny fields and/or die polish. The devices will be sharp with high relief. If possible, compare them with known business strikes.

 

I'm impressed that anybody can tell anything with these scans. Those scans look awful compared to what they look like in my hand . . . but you seem to be judging it well. I think.

I guess I need somebody to look at them.

The obverse pix are still up at ebay where I purchased them.

The 1961 is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140368562612&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

The 1959 is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160388401212&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Unfortunately, and you can tell a tiny bit by the pic, the 1961 has a spot on it (over the "In G-d We..."). The 1959 looks even nicer, on the front.

Thoughts, anyone?

 

Those both look like circulation strikes to me.

 

Given that both, the sellers images, as well as Sholom's images, are scans, I did read the 'fine print' in both auctions, which is as follows:

This pristine 1961 Quarter has deep flowing silver surfaces with a nice cameo contrast - true the coin appears a bit cloudily - this is because they are so shiny that they create a reflection from the light of the scanner. We're not grading experts - please judge for yourselves before buying. But you won't find better than these uncirculated SILVER Quarters - and the timing couldn't be better - so bid now to add this beautiful Gem Silver Quarters' Cameo Proof like to your personal collection today.

So, it appears that even though the seller listed both as a BU coin, he knew it was 'Cameo Proof like'. Chances are, these are both proofs, Sholom.

 

Well, well, well . . . while they are not mirror-like like the proofs I've seen (I've only seen 2008 & 2009) they both do have a luster that's above any of the UNC's I have. So, perhaps they are indeed proof -- and I'm tending to think that they are.

This thread has been very educational for me! (At least it didn't cost anything!)

So now I'm in the interesting position of attempting to purchase business coins, receiving proof coins instead, and being disappointed!! I never thought that would happen!

 

Sholom,

Many of the proofs of this era have developed a hazy/grainy look to them that can be deceiving.

 

Both coins, based upon the eBay scans, are without a doubt proof coins.

The fields are simply too clear to be anything other than a proof as there are no flow lines. Additionally there are no scuffs on the devices which is typical for BU coins. I've shown below where you can see the reflectivity in the proof fields:





Below is how my scanner "see's" a BU coin:



Look at the fields. Clearly not proof as their are plenty of "flow lines" which is typical of a BU coin. Proofs do not exhibit flow lines. Look at the motto and the date. Visible scuffs and imperfections which again is typical.

 

It happens with a lot of frequency on eBay. Sellers know there is a market for Type B reverses and simply list proof coins as Gem BU hoping to "hook" a couple of novice Type B Bidders.

But............don't give up your search. Just be aware that Proof Washingtons are ALL Type B reverses.

 

19Lyds....excellent images and referrence to the reflectivity. This is just another perfect example of not being able to properly assign a grade to a coin not only based on images, but more specifically, based upon a scanned image, which washes out a coins luster.

 

19Lyds...is that some doubling going on with the '64 on the IGWT, or is it machine doubling? OR, does it just appear that way due to the scanner light 'bouncing' back and forth, which I've seen before?

 

Here's a perfect example of a seller listing proofs as BU, though, due to his images, it's clear this is a roll of proof washies....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280437575818&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

No doubling.

 

I couldn't agree more. I bet that 64 looks far better in hand.
Speaking of 64's, I have a slabbed NGC MS66 64 D with an obvious doubled mint mark I need to have you guys look at when I get around to taking some photos.

I've come across several proofs mixed in with business strike UNCs. Here's one of them I was happy to find. I'm not a huge fan of toning but this clad proof just moves me.






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I'm not sure that's the case here -- as the seller didn't even post a pic of the reverse!

 

Wow . . . you guys are awesome! I am humbled by all this expert analysis coming from all over the place!

 

You are correct.

Thid one did though: http://cgi.ebay.com/1962-GEM-BU-Was...mQQptZCoins_US_Individual?hash=item3efb4b7389

 

Nice coins jaceravone. An uncleaned lustrous silver Washington quarter is always a thing of beauty.

 

I agree Nor did Seller didn't even mention Reverse B

 

Yea the first one doesn't know about coins IMO and just posted BU when they are proofs but the second one is intentionally misleading with his post!! Sheez