1976 S Bicentennial Quarter (Uncirculated)

[Dj1951]

Unusual 1976 S Bicentennial Quarter-I discovered the coin in a tube of Uncirculated Silver Bicentennial Quarters. Both sides of the coin are frosted & the reverse silver coating is flaking-off exposing an off-white creamy surface . Is it a rare error ? Please review the photos & give me your opinion.
Thanks much!

[MintErrors]

Its a silver Bi-centennial quarter.
Nothing too special about it, other than it is silver.
Yes, they did do clad quarters as well, so no, it is not a transitional piece, nor is it rare.
Some of the Cameo may have come off, but that isn't an error by any stretch of the imagination.


https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/...5c-silver/5898

[Dj1951]

Thanks for your comments. I definitely hope you’re correct & the Bicentennial Quarter is Silver. The edge of the coin doesn’t show a line of reddish/brown copper so it should be Silver. The reverse of the coin shows a white in color metal with a tinge of gold. That color is consistent with nickel metal. Another indicator that the surface of the reverse is made out of Nickel -Silver will not properly adhere to Nickel. That may be why the Silver is flaking off the Nickel reverse. “IF” the Bicentennial is in fact Silver as you opined & the photo of the coin edge shows, it may possibly be the first known Transitional metal error of its kind, to date. According to published specifications, 1976S Bicentennial 40% Silver Quarters, did not contain any Nickel metal whatsoever. Again, thanks for your input & have a great day!

[MintErrors]

In coin collecting for anyone, in my opinion, it is best for no one to "assume" it is different metal composition without proper third party testing. Coin are known to tone and colors can be deceiving depending on light and angles.

Weight is important for something like this. If the weight is close to 5.75 grams, then the composition of the metals may be correct, the copper core may be hidden. A scale that is stable, accurate and can go down to hundredths of a gram (x.xx) is vital. Scales do not have to be expensive, they have to be accurate. I bought one off amazon for 20 bucks or so.

If the weight of the coin is close to 5 grams, then the coin is probably clad with a hidden copper core. Again, they made both clad and silver versions of this coin so in order for this to be transitional, some professional metal analysis would have to be accomplished.

A pure silver (1964 and earlier) weighed about 6.25 grams if I remember correctly. I do not know if the mint had any pure silver, quarter sized planchets around.

It is totally up to you whether you send it in for grading and slabbing. If you do ensure the paperwork highlights that you want to know the metal composition, weight and whether it's a transitional piece.

[Dj1951]

Thanks again for your input. The Mint produced Bicentennials Quarters using 40% silver.composition according to its specifications. As you may know, the 40% silver clad & copper clad are very close in weight. Silver being 5.75g & Copper 5.67g. The copper may possibly be hidden from view on the edge of the coin as you stated. That’s why I stated “IF” the coin is Silver. The Bicentennial Quarter pictured weighs 5.73g, & I know third party graders will determine metal composition of the coin.

[Jamez]

no reason to send this to a third party grader. The cost of doing that would far exceed the value of the coin. But its your money.

[Dj1951]

Thanks for your advice-Have a great day!