Coin collecting enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting journey into the world of numismatic rarities! Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating realm of 2013 quarter errors, with a special focus on the highly sought-after Mount Rushmore misprint. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to spot, value, and cherish these unique pieces of American coinage.
The Allure of the 2013 Quarter
Before we explore the errors that make these coins valuable, let's understand why the 2013 quarter holds a special place in collectors' hearts:
- Part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program
- Features five distinct designs commemorating national sites
- Minted in both Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D)
- Total mintage of over 1.6 billion coins
The 2013 quarter series included designs for:
- White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)
- Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial (Ohio)
- Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Maryland)
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota)
Common 2013 Quarter Errors and Their Values
1. Doubled Die Errors
Doubled die errors occur when the die strikes the coin multiple times at slightly different angles. For the 2013 quarters, this error can be particularly striking on the Mount Rushmore design.
- Value Range: $50 – $500+
- Notable Sales:
- 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter (MS65) with a doubled die error sold for $275 in a 2019 Heritage Auction
- 2013-P Fort McHenry quarter (MS63) with significant doubling on the reverse sold for $450 on eBay in 2021
2. Rim Cud Errors
A rim cud appears as a raised, lateral bump along the coin's edge.
- Value Range: $100 – $800+
- Examples:
- 2013-D Great Basin National Park quarter (MS62) with a rim cud error fetched $440 at auction
- 2013-P White Mountain quarter (MS64) with a large rim cud sold for $725 in a 2020 Stack's Bowers auction
3. Clad Layer Errors
These dramatic errors occur when the outer nickel layer is missing on one side of the coin.
- Value Range: $200 – $1000+
- Real-world Sales:
- 2013-D Perry's Victory quarter (MS62) with an obverse clad error sold for $362 on eBay
- 2013-P Mount Rushmore quarter (MS65) with a full reverse missing clad layer reached $875 in a private sale
4. Improperly Annealed Errors
Resulting from issues in the heating and cooling process, these errors can cause unusual coloration.
- Value Range: $150 – $500+
- Auction Results:
- 2013-P Mount Rushmore quarter (MS61) with this error sold for $230
- 2013-D Great Basin quarter (MS63) with severe annealing issues fetched $475 in a 2022 online auction
5. Misaligned Die Errors
When the obverse and reverse dies are not properly aligned, it creates an offset design.
- Value Range: $300 – $1500+
- High-Value Examples:
- 2013-P White Mountain quarter (MS64) with a 10% misaligned die error sold for $555
- 2013-D Fort McHenry quarter (MS66) with a 15% misalignment reached $1,250 at a 2021 Heritage Auction
The Mount Rushmore Quarter: A Hotbed for Errors
The 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter has become particularly notorious for errors, making it a prime target for collectors. Here's why:
- Complex design increases the likelihood of striking errors
- High mintage numbers mean more opportunities for errors to occur
- The iconic nature of Mount Rushmore adds to the coin's appeal
Spotlight: The Mount Rushmore Misprint
The most sought-after error in the 2013 quarter series is the Mount Rushmore misprint. This error can manifest in several ways:
-
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO):
- Look for doubling on Washington's profile or the lettering
- Value can range from $100 to $2000+ depending on the severity
- A 2013-P Mount Rushmore DDO (MS67) sold for $1,850 in 2023
-
Off-Center Strikes:
- Part of the design may be missing due to misalignment
- Prices can reach $500 to $3000+ for significant off-center errors
- A 2013-D Mount Rushmore 40% off-center (MS63) fetched $2,750 at auction
-
Die Cracks:
- Appearing as raised lines across the coin's surface
- Values typically range from $50 to $500
- A 2013-P Mount Rushmore with a major die crack (MS65) sold for $385
-
Overmintmark:
- A 'D' over 'P' or vice versa can be extremely valuable
- Prices for this rare error can exceed $1000
- A confirmed 2013 D/P Mount Rushmore quarter (MS64) sold for $1,725 in 2022
Error Frequency Table
| Error Type | Estimated Frequency | Average Value (MS60-65) |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die | 1 in 15,000 | $150 |
| Rim Cud | 1 in 25,000 | $300 |
| Clad Layer | 1 in 50,000 | $400 |
| Annealing | 1 in 30,000 | $250 |
| Misaligned Die | 1 in 40,000 | $500 |
| Off-Center | 1 in 100,000 | $750 |
| Overmintmark | 1 in 500,000 | $1,500 |
Note: Frequencies and values are estimates based on observed market trends and auction results.
How to Identify Genuine 2013 Quarter Errors
To ensure you're not fooled by counterfeits or post-mint damage, follow these expert tips:
- Use a 10x to 20x magnifying glass or coin loupe to examine details closely
- Compare suspicious coins to known genuine examples from reputable sources
- Look for signs of tampering or artificial alteration, such as tool marks
- Consider getting valuable finds authenticated by PCGS or NGC
The Market for 2013 Quarter Errors
The numismatic market for 2013 quarter errors remains robust:
- Demand from collectors continues to drive prices upward
- Online marketplaces like eBay and Heritage Auctions have made it easier to buy and sell error coins
- Auction houses report a 15-20% increase in interest for high-grade 2013 quarter errors over the past 5 years
Tips for Collecting 2013 Quarter Errors
- Focus on high-grade examples (MS60 and above)
- Prioritize errors that are visually striking and easy to identify
- Keep an eye out for bulk lots that may contain overlooked errors
- Network with other collectors through forums like CoinTalk and PCGS CoinFacts
- Be patient – building a significant collection takes time and persistence
Preservation and Care
To maintain the value of your 2013 quarter errors:
- Handle coins by the edges, wearing cotton gloves if possible
- Store in non-PVC holders or albums designed for coin preservation
- Keep coins away from extreme temperatures and humidity (ideal: 65-70°F, 40-50% RH)
- Avoid cleaning, as this can significantly reduce value by up to 50% or more
The Future of 2013 Quarter Error Collecting
As we look ahead, several factors suggest that 2013 quarter errors will continue to be prized by collectors:
- Increasing scarcity as errors are discovered and removed from circulation
- Growing interest in modern coin errors among new collectors (up 30% since 2018)
- The historical significance of the America the Beautiful series
Conclusion
The world of 2013 quarter errors, particularly those featuring the Mount Rushmore design, offers a thrilling hunt for numismatists. From subtle doubled dies to dramatic off-center strikes, these coins represent a unique intersection of history, artistry, and chance. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, keep your eyes peeled for these valuable anomalies. Who knows? Your pocket change might just contain a numismatic treasure waiting to be discovered.
Remember, the key to success in error coin collecting is knowledge, patience, and a keen eye for detail. With the information provided in this guide, you're now equipped to dive into the fascinating world of 2013 quarter errors. Happy hunting, and may your collection grow with these remarkable pieces of American coinage history!
