2018 Michigan Quarter
Errors, Varieties, and Values
2018 Michigan quarter errors and varieties are collectible coins. For instance, this 2018 Michigan quarter displays an improperly annealed planchet error.
Moreover, I almost mistook it for an environmentally damaged coin, as did a few others presume. However, further examination confirmed this 2018 quarter is indeed an error coin.
I learned otherwise after scouring the web for articles and visual examples and sought out advice for how to appropriately identify the error. Additionally, to understand a mint error like this, it’s important to understand how the coin production process works.
The Annealing Process
“Coins start out as blanks. First, blanks are first cut from metal coils and then sent to an annealing furnace. Then, from the furnace they go to a cooling water bath, followed by a polishing/brightening rinse. Finally, drying machines help shine and burnish each piece.” – coinweek.com
The annealing process softens the metal to prepare it for striking. Blank planchets are placed in an annealing furnace that first heats, and then slowly cools the metal.” – numismatics.
How to tell Environmental Damage from an Annealing Error
“To tell the difference between an annealing error, (which happens before striking,) and environmental damage, (which happens after striking), pay attention to the luster of the coin.
Improperly Annealed Quarter Error
“The copper core (reeding) shows a nice normal red copper color. Furthermore, the planchet displays as darker coloring remaining on the smooth edge of the reeding after the planchet is struck in the collar.
However, when a coin is ejected from the collar, the darker coloring is removed from the ridged reeding. The reeding as a normal red copper color is one of the key identifiers to know,” it’s legit.– Fred Weinberg – cointalk.com
Furthermore, the colors most associated with improperly annealed planchet errors are “copper, red, black, brown, and gray. Coverage can be complete or incomplete.” – error-ref.com
Improperly Annealed Planchet Error Values
Improperly annealed planchet error values depends on a few factors. They’ve sold between $5 and $20 in raw condition on Ebay. This type of mint error can have asking prices higher than a hundred dollars, if it’s been properly authenticated.
A 2003 P Illinois State Quarter improperly annealed sintered planchet error, sold at auction via Great Collections for nearly $20. A 2002 P Mississippi State Quarter Improperly Annealed Sintered Planchet, sold at auction via Great Collections for just $16.00.
The return of investment doesn’t appear worth sending a quarter with an annealing error in for grading. Demand isn’t high for this type of error, so if you find one you’ll profit more by selling it in raw condition.
2018 Michigan Pictured Rocks Quarter Error
Examine pocket change carefully! This camouflage colored 2018 P Michigan Pictured Rocks quarter with an improperly annealed planchet appears to be a dirty coin, but rather is actually a rare mint error.
The copper reeding on the coin wouldn’t be its natural color, and the quarter would be lacking its luster if it was just a normal dirty coin. In other words, you have to look beyond the camouflage!
Rare Coin Plating Errors
Furthermore, I once found what appeared as a 2019 silver painted penny that turned out to be a partial plating error! Learn more about coin production from the United States Mint.
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