2018 Michigan Quarter Error Pictured Rocks Black Beauty
2018 Michigan quarter errors and varieties are collectible coins. For instance, this 2018 Michigan ‘BLACK BEAUTY’ quarter displays an improperly annealed planchet error. A coin loupe will help you determine it’s not just a dirty or damaged coin.
For instance, I almost mistook it for an environmentally damaged coin, as did a few others presume. However, further examination confirmed this 2018 quarter is indeed a black beauty error quarter.
I learned 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.
2018 National Park Improperly Annealed Quarter Errors and Varieties
“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
2018 Michigan Quarter 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.
2018 Michigan Pictured Rocks Quarter: Improperly Annealed (Sintered) Planchet Error Value Chart
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) | Key Identifiers |
|---|---|---|
| Average Circulated | $5.00 – $10.00 | Visible "sintered" copper-wash; often mistaken for dirt. |
| Fine to Very Fine | $10.00 – $25.00 | "Black Beauty" or orange/copper toning; clear luster. |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $25.00 – $50.00 | Minimal wear; silver-gray or deep copper finish is prominent. |
| Mint State (Raw) | $50.00 – $75.00 | High eye appeal; consistent toning across the whole planchet. |
| Certified/Graded (MS65+) | $100.00 – $250.00+ | Professionally authenticated as "Improperly Annealed." |
*Values based on recent eBay/auction data. High-intensity errors or rare color variants may command higher premiums.
Click the image of the woman wearing it, or get the Coin Hunter T-shirt here. 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. One in this condition though, is best sent off for grading and auction.
2018 Michigan Pictured Rocks Quarter Error
Examine pocket change carefully! This camouflage colored 2018 P Michigan Pictured Rocks quarter with an improperly annealed planchet appeared to be a dirty coin, but rather is actually a rare mint error. A sight to see for rare niche error coin collectors! Check out more featured quarter errors listed in this coin roll hunting guide.
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! A flawless coin has no nicks.
Coin Roll Hunting Rare Plating Error Coins
Furthermore, I once found what appeared as a 2019 silver painted penny that turned out to be a partial plating error! I’ve learned a lot about coin production from the United States Mint channel.
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