At PennyVerse.info, we donāt just look at coinsāwe decode potential treasure. That unassuming 1990-D Washington Quarter in your pocket might be more than spare change. Some collectors believe a unique combo of rare mint errors could make this coin worth up to $1,500,000.
Yes, seriously.
Letās break down the three key errors that make this coin so fascinatingāand how to spot them!
š The āMillion-Dollar Comboā of Errors

While most 1990-D quarters are worth just 25Ā¢, a specific trio of authentic mint errors could send one into six- or seven-figure territory:
1. Double-Die Mint Mark (āDā Doubling) šÆ
- Where to look: Obverse (front), below āIN GOD WE TRUST.ā
- What youāll see: A clearly doubled āDā mint markānot smeared or shelf-like.
- Why it matters: A true doubled die is rare, especially on mint marks.
2. āDD Wingā Die Clash š¦
- Where to look: Reverse (back), near the eagleās wings and surrounding fields.
- What youāll see: Ghost-like lines or impressions (e.g., from Washingtonās face or āLIBERTYā) transferred onto the reverse.
- Why it matters: Die clash + doubled elements = collector gold.
3. āSpitting Eagleā Die Chip š£ļø
- Where to look: Eagleās beak on the reverse.
- What youāll see: A small raised line or lump projecting from the mouth.
- Why it matters: Popular, visual errorāoften adds value when combined with others.
ā ļø Real Error vs. Common Damage
| Type | Valuable? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die | ā Yes | Strong, clear doublingāminting mistake, not machine doubling |
| Die Clash | ā Yes | Transferred features from the opposite die |
| Die Chip/Crack | ā Yes | Raised metal from die damageācollectible in unique spots |
| Machine Doubling | ā No | Flat, shelf-like doublingānot a true mint error |
| Post-Mint Damage | ā No | Scratches, wear, and damage after minting |
š§ Tools Youāll Need to Authenticate
- š 10xā20x Loupe or USB Microscope
- š” Strong, angled lighting to reveal faint details
- š¼ļø Side-by-side comparisons with certified error coins (use PCGS CoinFacts or NGC VarietyPlus)
š Grading = Value Multiplier
Your quarterās condition + confirmed errors = true market value.
| Grade | Condition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Some wear | Still valuable due to error rarity |
| AU-50 | Light wear, partial luster | Sought after |
| MS-63 | Mint State with minor marks | Strong collector interest |
| MS-65+ | Almost flawless | High premium |
| MS-67+ | Gem quality | š° Maximum value, potential auction record |
š”ļø How to Authenticate & Sell
ā Step 1: Do NOT Clean the Coin!
Cleaning ruins originality and valueāleave it untouched.
ā Step 2: Submit to a Grading Service
Use only top-tier third-party graders:
These experts will:
- Confirm the errors
- Assign an accurate grade
- Protect your coin in a tamper-proof slab
ā Step 3: Sell at a Reputable Auction
If youāre holding a certified multi-error gem, auction is the way to go:
They have global collector networks and million-dollar reach.
šø Coin Photos That Matter
When submitting or showing your coin to experts:
- Take close-ups of the mint mark and eagle wings
- Use natural lighting and a steady hand
- Include multiple angles
šØ Be Wary: Common Pitfalls
- ā Most doubling is not valuableālearn the difference
- ā Post-mint damage ā error
- ā ļø Counterfeits existāonly trust certified examples
- š¦ Submit immediately if your coin matches known diagnostics
š Coin Market Trends (2024ā2025 Outlook)
- ā High-grade multi-error coins are HOT
- ā Online error coin forums & auctions are booming
- ā Authentication is non-negotiable
- ā Visual errors (like the Spitting Eagle) are rising in popularity
š BONUS: Get the Free āU.S. Quarter Error Checklistā
Become a smarter collector today:
- š Master the top 10 quarter errors
- š ļø Learn DIY identification tools
- š¬ Delivered instantly to your inbox
š Subscribe to PennyVerse Newsletter Now
š§ Want Our Experts to Review Your Coin?
Send us clear photos of your 1990-D quarterāour team offers free preliminary evaluations! Submit through PennyVerse.info and let us help you unlock its potential.

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