1996 Quarter Errors, Varieties, and Values

1996 Quarter Errors, Varieties, and Values

1996 Quarter errors and varieties are collectible coins.  For instance, observe the doubling displayed behind the top of Washington’s ear and noted with an arrow in the image below.   

1996 quarters
Arrow notes the doubling displaying behind Washington's ear on a 1996-P Quarter Dollar Coin

Rare coins like this quarter is a relatively unknown discovery.  Check your quarter collections for this DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) coin. 

Furthermore, no other 1996 doubled die quarter listings are available, at least not as of writing this article.  Therefore, if you find one like this, hold on to it!  

1996 quarter error list

In other words, this anomaly creates additional value.  These are rare types of quarters that make it more valuable than its denominational face value.

Washington quarter roll uncirculated
Tap on a bank roll to buy uncirculated 1996 quarters via eBay.com
Doubled Dies

Furthermore, according to Wexler’s Coins & Die Varieties, “Because of the manner in which the dies receive doubled images through the hubbing process, it’s important to realize that the doubling seen on doubled dies will appear as raised and rounded. “

Moreover, the secondary images look just like the normal devices on the coin.  In other words, a machine doubled coin will be flat instead of raised, as shown in the image below.

misprint quarters
Arrows note Machine Doubling on a 1996 Washington quarter

“Furthermore, doubled letters will often show “splits” in the serifs of the letters whenever the letters have serifs.  Additionally, if the letters have squared off corners, then those corners will often show strong “notches.”

“Moreover, the “spread” refers to the separation between the doubled design.  Most importantly, the spread of the doubling varies and may be very wide or extremely close.”  A strong magnifying loupe is necessary to see most doubled die coins.

1996 quarter dollar

Furthermore, it’s possible for a coin to be a genuine doubled die that displays machine doubling.  Learning the difference can be challenging for new collectors.  For this reason, online coin communities and groups are great for getting more than one opinion.

1996 quarter errors

Observe the die crack that displays between the left wing of the eagle and the letters “E” & “D” of “UNITED.”   The best chance of finding rare 1996 error or variety quarters in flawless condition is to search through  uncirculated original wrapped bank rolls.

1996 Washington Quarter Dollar Value

Additionally, examining 1996 U.S. mint sets for errors and varieties ensures a mint state grade proof specimen.  However, quarters don’t have to have any errors or be a variety in order to become valuable.

1996 error quarters
Arrows note a die crack through the O in Dollar

For instance, a 1996 P 25C Washington quarter graded MS60, sold for $6,900.00. Furthermore, a 1996 D 25C Washington quarter dollar graded MS68, sold for $447.00.  Those quarters are valuable because of their pristine condition.

1996 quarter error
Selling Unique Coins Raw

Additionally, the rarest coins bring the highest premium even without being certified & graded.  “It’s free to list coins on usacoinbook.com, and registration is simple.  Choose a business name or something easy to remember as a good username to direct people you want to show your collection to at any time.”

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Furthermore, creating an account at collectors.com enables you to “save your searches and organize your discoveries.”   Ebay is another online marketplace people are buying and selling coins.  For instance, check the sold listings to observe what 1996 P Washington Quarter Errors sell for.

Note, “Coin grading and authentication emerged as a solution to rampant counterfeiting and coin doctoring in the collectible coin industry.”

Key Dates are a Big Deal

“The 1982 and 1983 quarters are most famous for below-average appearance and are the Washington quarters you want to check your change for.”  No mint sets were issued during those two years.  Furthermore, quarters of these dates look battered after a short time in circulation. Therefore, finding one in mint state condition will fetch a very nice premium.

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