Counterfeit / Gold-Plated Washington Quarter (Reverse View)
Coin (Numismatic Copy / Altered Currency) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (cupro-nickel) core.
Purity: None / Gold-Plated. This item appears to be a standard circulating US Quarter composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel (likely 1965-present) that has been plated with a micro-thin layer of gold for aesthetic or deceptive purposes.
Type
Coin (Numismatic Copy / Altered Currency)
Purity
None / Gold-Plated. This item appears to be a standard circulating US Quarter composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel (likely 1965-present) that has been plated with a micro-thin layer of gold for aesthetic or deceptive purposes.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (cupro-nickel) core.
Weight
5.67 grams (standard weight for a US Quarter). The gold content is negligible and does not significantly change the weight.
Description
An unusual piece featuring the iconic heraldic eagle of the United States Washington Quarter. While appearing to be gold, the heavy wear on the 'D' mint mark and the grainy texture of the devices suggest this is a standard circulating coin that has been electroplated. These are often sold as 'novelty' items or used in jewelry like bezels, but they hold no bullion value.
Key Features
Reverse design featuring an eagle with spread wings perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches below. 'D' mint mark located below the center of the wreath.
Color & Finish
Dull, pale yellow with significant wear. The finish is grainy and matte due to heavy circulation wear and poor-quality plating that is likely wearing thin at the high points of the eagle's breast and wings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks. Visible numismatic stamps: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'QUARTER DOLLAR', and a 'D' mint mark indicating Denver.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm (Standard US Quarter dimensions).
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (though heavily worn), standard for US silver and clad coinage.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid coin construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck by high-pressure steam/electric presses at the Mint; subsequent plating was likely done via bulk electrorefining bath, resulting in the loss of fine design detail.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags: Lack of proper hallmarks for gold; 'D' mint mark on a 'gold' coin (the US Mint has never struck a gold quarter with this reverse); color is 'off' compared to 22K or 24K bullion; presence of copper-nickel texture through the plating.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint (Denver) for the original coin; third-party plating firm for the gold finish.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Altered Post-1964 coinage). The design is the John Flanagan Washington Quarter reverse (1932–1998 style).
Age Estimate
Original coin likely struck between 1965 and 1998; plating added recently (within the last 20 years).
Cultural Significance
The Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Gold-plating it is a common form of 'folk art' or folk-numismatics in the US.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) numismatic grade. The surfaces are heavily pitted and worn; the eagle's feathers lack detail. The gold plating is uneven and shows signs of 'brassing' or revealing the base metal underneath. Grade: Fair/Poor for a gold item.
Value Estimate
Melt value: $0.00 in gold. Face value: $0.25 USD. Market value as a novelty: $1.00 - $3.00 USD. It holds no professional investment or bullion merit.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use abrasive cleaners as they will quickly strip the thin gold plating to reveal the gray cupro-nickel core. Clean only with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Similar Items
1999-Present Statehood Quarters (gold plated), 2016 Standing Liberty Gold Quarter (0.25 oz .999 gold - the only genuine US gold quarter), and gold-plated Susan B. Anthony dollars.
Interesting Facts
Gold-plated quarters are frequently produced by private marketing companies to sell as 'limited edition' collectibles to the public, though they generally lack any significant investment value.