The Idaho state quarter, released in 2007 as part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, features a peregrine falcon above an outline of the state, along with the motto “Esto Perpetua.” While the Idaho quarter is not known for a major headline-grabbing variety, collectors have identified several documented die varieties and mint-made errors associated with the issue. Certified examples remain popular among collectors of modern U.S. error coinage.
Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse Varieties
These varieties are minor and usually require magnification to identify, but they are documented by recognized attribution specialists.
Physical Diagnostics
- Doubled Earlobe: On the 2007-P doubled die obverse, doubling appears on the underside of Washington’s earlobe.
- State Outline Doubling: Some doubled die reverse varieties show doubling along the upper left side of the Idaho state outline.
- Raised Doubling: True doubled die features are raised and part of the struck design, unlike flat machine doubling.
- Die Markers: Verified examples may include small die gouges, die chips, die pitting, or other markers that help confirm attribution.
Frequency
Idaho doubled die varieties are documented, but they are not major dramatic doubled dies. They are mainly collected by specialists who search for attributed state quarter varieties.
Missing Clad Layer Errors
Some Idaho quarters have been found missing one of their outer clad layers. Modern quarters are made from a copper core bonded between outer copper-nickel layers. When one outer layer is missing before striking, the exposed side shows the copper core.
Physical Diagnostics
- Copper-Colored Surface: One side of the coin may appear reddish or copper-brown instead of silver-gray.
- Reduced Weight: Missing clad layer quarters weigh less than standard quarters.
- Visible Edge Contrast: The edge may show a noticeable difference between the remaining clad layer and the exposed copper core.
- Strong Design Detail: The design should still appear fully struck rather than worn, stained, or chemically altered.
Frequency
Missing clad layer Idaho quarters are scarce but documented. A certified 2007-D Idaho quarter with the obverse clad layer missing has appeared in a major auction record.
Elliptical Clip Errors
An elliptical clip occurs when a planchet is punched abnormally from the metal strip, creating an oval or football-like shape instead of a normal round coin.
Physical Diagnostics
- Oval Shape: The coin appears elongated or elliptical rather than perfectly round.
- Lower Weight: Because part of the planchet is missing, the coin weighs less than a standard quarter.
- Missing Metal Before Strike: The design should conform naturally to the clipped planchet.
- Possible Weak Rim Area: Some clipped planchets show rim weakness related to the missing metal.
Frequency
Elliptical clip errors are uncommon on Idaho quarters but documented. A 2007-D Idaho quarter with an elliptical clip has been certified by NGC and reported by a major mint-error reference.
Error Quarter Market Value
The value of Idaho quarter errors depends on rarity, condition, eye appeal, and the severity of the mint mistake. Missing clad layer errors and properly attributed doubled die varieties are among the more collectible Idaho quarter specialties. Certified examples with dramatic visual characteristics generally command the strongest premiums.
How to Identify Authentic Idaho Quarter Errors
Collectors should inspect Idaho quarters carefully under magnification while paying close attention to Washington’s earlobe, the state outline, lettering, rims, and the peregrine falcon design. Genuine mint errors display smooth and consistent characteristics created during production rather than damage that occurred after the coin entered circulation.
A precision digital scale can help identify specific errors by revealing abnormal weights. Doubled die varieties should be compared with recognized attribution references before assigning value. For potentially valuable coins, professional authentication from PCGS, NGC, or another trusted grading service is recommended.
The Idaho quarter remains a collectible issue within the 50 State Quarters Program because of its distinctive falcon design and its documented die varieties and mint-made errors. While most circulated examples remain common, certified major errors and properly attributed die varieties continue to attract interest from modern error coin collectors.
