Alaska State Quarter Errors 

The Alaska state quarter, released in 2008 as part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, features a grizzly bear hunting salmon, with the North Star and the inscription “The Great Land” on the reverse. Although the Alaska quarter is not associated with a single dominant variety, several documented die varieties and mint errors have been identified by major attribution references, grading services, and auction archives. 

2008-P Doubled Die Reverse and Claw-Area Die Chips 

A documented 2008-P Alaska doubled die reverse variety shows extra lines in the bear design area. Wexler also notes die chips between the bear’s lower claws on one stage of this variety, which is why some collectors look closely at the claw area on Alaska quarters. 

Physical Diagnostics 

• Extra Lines Near the Bear: Doubling may appear as extra raised lines in the bear’s hair near the nose and above the fish. 

• Claw-Area Die Chips: Small raised die chips may appear between the lower claws of the bear. 

• Raised Metal: Genuine die chips and doubled die features sit above the coin’s surface. 

• Consistent Placement: Verified examples should match the known locations described by attribution references. 

Frequency 

This variety is documented, but it should not be confused with random scratches, circulation damage, or vague “extra claw” claims from uncertified online listings. Proper attribution is recommended for valuable examples. 

Missing Clad Layer Errors 

Some Alaska 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 absent 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: A missing clad layer quarter should weigh less than a normal quarter. 

• Distinct Edge Contrast: The edge may show a clear difference between the remaining clad layer and the exposed copper core. 

• Normal Strike Detail: The design should still look struck into the coin rather than worn away or chemically altered. 

Frequency 

Missing clad layer Alaska quarters are scarce but documented.  

Elliptical Clip Errors 

An elliptical clip occurs when a planchet is punched from the coinage strip in an abnormal way, creating an oval or football-like shape instead of a normal round planchet. 

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 rather than looking cut after minting. 

• Possible Weak Rim Area: Some clipped planchets show rim weakness associated with the missing metal. 

Frequency 

Elliptical clip errors are uncommon on Alaska quarters; however, a 2008-P Alaska quarter with an elliptical clip has been documented. 

Error Quarter Market Value 

Alaska quarter error values depend on the type of error, condition, eye appeal, and whether the coin has been professionally authenticated. Missing clad layer errors and major planchet errors often bring stronger premiums than minor doubled die varieties, particularly when professionally authenticated. Wexler-listed doubled die examples may appeal most to variety specialists. 

How to Identify Authentic Alaska Quarter Errors 

Collectors should inspect Alaska quarters under magnification, especially around Washington’s earlobe, the bear’s hair, the fish, and the bear’s claws. Genuine, doubled-die features and die chips are raised and repeated in consistent locations on verified examples. 

A precision digital scale is useful when checking for possible missing clad layer or clipped planchet errors. Coins with unusual color should be examined carefully, since environmental damage and staining are often mistaken for missing clad layers. For valuable examples, comparisons with listings or professional authentication from PCGS, NGC, or another trusted service are recommended. 

The Alaska quarter remains a popular late-series state quarter because of its bold grizzly bear design and its documented die varieties and planchet-related errors. While most circulated examples are common, properly attributed or certified errors continue to attract collector interest.