Mirrored Field Clue to Mule Quarter Variety

■ Between 1956 and 1964 there are circulation strike quarters on which a proof die was used for the reverse. How can I tell if my coins have the normal or this “Type B” reverse?

The Type B or Proof reverse variety quarters of 1956 to 1964 went relatively unnoticed until the 1970s. Even then it was postulated the reverse was the result of dies made from proof hubs rather than struck from dies actually meant to be used exclusively for proof strikes. The reverse of these coins has a noticeably mirrored field. Considering the number of years in which this occurred, the mule dies may have been used out of expediency rather than by error.

■ How can I tell if I have a Medium or Heavy Motto 1934 or 1934-D quarter?

There is a Light, Medium, and Heavy Motto 1934 and a Medium and Heavy Motto 1934-D quarter. The “W” in “WE” on the Heavy Motto variety is aligned higher and with the lines up the sides. All letters are thicker than on the other two varieties. The Medium Motto letters are thin, the “W” in “WE” aligned lower than the tops of the sides of the “W.” The Light Motto variety is weakly struck with indistinct letters due to having been produced from a worn die.

■ Where is the doubling on the 1934 doubled die quarter?

It is easy to confuse a double struck with a doubled die coin. On the 1934 quarter, look for pronounced doubling on the “G” in “GOD,” as well as the “T,” “R,” and “S” in “TRUST.” A double struck example would have all the lettering and devices doubled.

■ Are there other doubled die Washington quarters?

Doubled die varieties also exist for 1937, 1942-D, 1943 and 1943-S Washington quarters. As with the 1934 quarter, ensure that parts of the legends display doubling rather than the entire legend and the design features, as can be expected on double struck examples.

■ What other variety Washington quarters are collectible?

Be aware of the 1950-D/S repunched mintmark (remnants of the “S” can be viewed at the top of the “D”), and the 1950-S/D repunched mintmark on which part of the “D” can be seen at the left of the “S” mintmark.

■ Why are coins round versus other shapes?

Mainly for the ease of production and handling. While business strike coins are almost universally round, non-circulating legal tender commemoratives have increasingly been produced in novel shapes including maps and animate subjects. The Bahamas is an interesting exception, having issued scallop-shaped 10-cent and four-sided 15-cent coins for circulation. Bangladesh also issued coins in these shapes for use in commerce.

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