New & Prospective: Potentially Valuable Errors in 2023 Quarters

The 2023 U.S. quarters have quickly become a focus for collectors — not just for their fresh designs but for the surprising mint errors emerging in circulation. While today’s minting process is highly automated, mistakes still happen, and when they do, they can turn an ordinary 2023 quarter into a collectible worth hundreds.

Quick Overview: 2023 Quarter Series

• Total Mintage: Approx. 1.66 billion quarters

• Average Value: Face value (25¢)

• Error Value Range: $4 – $900+ depending on rarity and condition

Why These Modern Errors Matter

Minting errors in modern coins are rare because of tight quality control. That’s why any visible defect — even a small one — attracts attention. These coins bridge historical collecting with modern technology and can appreciate significantly if verified by grading authorities like PCGS or NGC.

Did you know?
Some error quarters have sold for 10,000x their face value, simply because of a misplaced letter or slight metal flaw.

What Collectors Are Looking For

Today’s numismatists search for small, distinct flaws that separate common coins from premium finds. These may include:

• Inconsistent lettering or spacing

• Extra metal raised near the rim

• Ghostly outlines caused by clashed dies

• Slight off-center alignment of design elements

Each imperfection tells a different story about how the coin was struck — and how it slipped through modern inspection systems.

Why 2023 Is a Special Year

The Bessie Coleman and Edith Kanakaʻole quarters, among others, have drawn attention for visible production irregularities. Since these designs entered circulation recently, early collectors who catalog and preserve verified error pieces could see long-term appreciation as supply tightens and recognition grows.

Hint for collectors:
Focus on Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) quarters first — these have shown the highest occurrence of minor die issues so far.

Common Types of 2023 Quarter Errors to Watch

Though the U.S. Mint’s production standards are among the world’s best, even minor imperfections can slip through when minting over 1.6 billion coins. For collectors, these flaws are not defects — they’re opportunities. The 2023 quarters have already produced several noteworthy varieties, each with distinct characteristics and price potential.

1. “In Cod We Trust” Misprint

One of the most discussed modern errors, this variety appears when part of the word “GOD” in IN GOD WE TRUST is replaced or obscured, creating the now-famous “In COD We Trust.”

• Cause: Filled or damaged die during minting

• Known On: Mostly 2023-D issues

• Market Value: Ranges from $150 to $900 depending on visibility and grade

Collector’s Note: Authentic examples are verified by sharp detail on the rest of the coin. Over-polished counterfeits exist — use magnification or digital scanning to confirm.

2. Die Chips and Cuds

Small raised blobs or missing metal indicate die damage. On 2023 coins, they often appear near lettering or facial outlines.

• Seen On: Bessie Coleman quarters (Denver mint)

• Typical Price Range: $4 to $120

• Rarity Level: Moderate — common in minor form, valuable in larger or defined areas

Tip: Larger “cuds” that obscure major features (like letters or parts of the design) draw far higher bids at online auctions.

3. Clashed Dies

This occurs when obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin blank between them, leaving ghost-like outlines from the opposite side.

• Example: Edith Kanakaʻole (2023-P) with visible clash marks around the profile

• Value Range: $15 to $40, depending on clarity

Did you know?
Die clashes were once common in 19th-century coins. Finding one on a 2023 issue shows that even modern technology can’t eliminate human or mechanical timing errors.

4. Doubled Dies

A doubled die error happens when the die itself receives two slightly misaligned impressions. The result? Elements like IN GOD WE TRUST, dates, or facial outlines appear doubled.

• Most Affected Area: Obverse inscriptions

• Estimated Value: $75 to $300 for minor doubling, higher for dramatic examples

5. Misaligned and Broad Strikes

When a coin blank isn’t perfectly centered during striking, the design shifts or extends beyond its rim.

• Visual Clue: Uneven border width, distorted legends

• Average Value: $30–$250 depending on severity

2023 Error Value Snapshot

Why These Errors Exist

The Mint’s massive output in 2023 led to rapid die wear and occasional mechanical shifts. While most are minor, a handful of errors slipped into circulation — instantly catching collectors’ attention. Each confirmed variety adds to the narrative of modern minting, proving that even precision manufacturing can produce accidental rarities.

How to Identify and Manage Your 2023 Quarter Collection

Finding a valuable 2023 error quarter requires more than luck — it’s a skill that combines attention to detail, reliable references, and the right technology. Modern collectors can now evaluate coins with a precision that rivals professional graders, all from the comfort of home.

Step 1. Start with a Careful Visual Inspection

Place your quarters on a neutral background under bright, indirect light. Use a 10x magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to spot irregularities:

• Check IN GOD WE TRUST and date areas for doubling or missing letters.

• Examine the edges for uneven thickness or missing reeds.

• Look for raised metal blobs (cuds) near the rim or devices.

• Compare identical designs — small differences can reveal minting errors.

Hint: Keep a small reference photo of a normal 2023 quarter beside your workspace. Side-by-side comparison helps detect even subtle defects.

Step 2. Confirm Mint Mark and Die Variety

Identify which mint mark your coin carries:

• (No mark) — Philadelphia

• D — Denver

• S — San Francisco (proof or collector edition)

Proof coins from San Francisco are typically pristine and well-struck. Circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, however, are where most real-world errors appear.

Tip: Document each find — note the mint mark, visible anomaly, and date found. Organized records increase your credibility if you ever sell or submit for grading.

Step 3. Use Technology to Verify and Track Value

Manual observation can only go so far. To confirm authenticity and estimate market worth, collectors rely on modern apps like Coin ID Scanner.
This freemium tool for Android and iOS allows users to:

• Identify coins by photo upload or live camera scan

• Access data instantly: mint years, mint marks, composition, edge type, diameter, and weight

• Estimate real-time values based on verified market listings

• Organize and track collections through digital portfolios

• Use Smart Filters and AI Coin Helper (premium) for advanced analysis and recommendations

With a database exceeding 187,000 global coins, it’s an essential companion for collectors seeking to verify genuine 2023 quarter errors quickly and accurately.

Step 4. Preserve and Protect Your Finds

Proper handling keeps value intact. Follow professional preservation standards:

• Store coins in airtight capsules or acid-free flips.

• Avoid cleaning — abrasives reduce value permanently.

• Maintain constant temperature and humidity in storage spaces.

• Label coins with mint mark and error type for easy tracking.

For high-value errors, consider grading services like PCGS or NGC. A certified holder not only ensures authenticity but also increases market trust and resale value.

Modern Errors, Future Rarities

The 2023 quarters may be new, but they’re already writing a new chapter in U.S. coin history. From the “In Cod We Trust” misprint to subtle die chips and doubled dies, these coins remind collectors that even the most advanced minting systems can produce future rarities.

Armed with careful observation, historical awareness, and modern tools like Coin ID Scanner, collectors can document today’s errors before they become tomorrow’s high-demand treasures. The key to success lies in staying alert, recording details meticulously, and recognizing that even small imperfections can turn