The market value of the silver-colored coin minted for the state of Kansas containing the famous production mistake is not a fixed amount because it depends on a complex set of technical and market factors.
This analysis describes these specific factors by the level of their influence on the final In Cod We Trust Quarter value and the general interest of people finding these coins.
The Grade of the Strike-Through Error Based on Grease Thickness
This is the main technical factor determining the price because the specific defect is officially classified as an error occurring during the minting process. The value directly depends on how effectively the thick industrial grease blocked the metal from filling the small space of the letter G on the metal tool.
The Total Absence of the Letter G
The highest value belongs to coins where the location of the letter G shows an absolutely flat surface being identical in texture to the rest of the coin.
Having no signs of the letter outline at all maximizes the price because in this case the grease filled the space completely leaving no room for any metal movement.
People willing to pay high prices look for this perfect flatness since it creates the best visual effect of the word COD being clearly readable without any problems.
The Partial Filling of the Die Cavity
If the outlines of the letter G are visible even slightly representing a weak image, the value of the coin decreases according to the visibility of this letter.
Experts classify such coins as middle stages of tool wear showing a less impressive error.
The price for these coins is usually much lower than the price for perfect versions because they do not provide the desired visual impact sought by buyers.
Condition According to Professional Scales
The physical condition of the coin remains a critical factor for any old object including the Kansas quarters and for these items experts use standard measuring systems.
Circulated Condition
Coins found in daily use usually have signs of wear and many scratches and visible marks on the high points of the design.
The value of such specimens is very low being limited to a small amount of money in most cases.
The presence of damage on the coin surface makes the check of the error difficult for buyers, but easy for a coin value checker free, thus reducing the interest of serious people.
Mint State Condition
Specimens having no signs of use and being called uncirculated are valued significantly higher than those found in pockets or shops.
Some grades are standard for coins taken directly from bank bags while other grades represent exceptional cases for the market.
Due to the mass production and automated packing processes these quarters often get small surface marks.
A specimen having a very high quality and a clear error can cost a lot of money at specialized sales.
The Influence of Official Certification
Certification by famous agencies radically affects the speed of sale and the final price of the coin.
Confirmation of Error Authenticity
The main risk for a buyer is the mechanical removal of the letter G using tools or cleaning.
A certified coin placed in a protective plastic box has a guarantee proving that the absence of the letter is a result of the production process and not human work. Without professional papers a coin is often sold with a large discount from the average market price.
Official Error Description on the Label
If the company officially writes the name of the error on the plastic box label, this action moves the coin from the category of simple metal into the category of a rare object.
This change greatly expands the circle of potential buyers willing to pay more for a verified error.
The Quality of the Original Mint Luster
Luster is a series of very small lines appearing on the coin surface at the moment of the strike.
Integrity of the Luster on the Error Area
In a coin with this error the luster on the place of the missing letter must be identical to the luster on the rest of the coin. If the luster is broken or shows signs of cleaning, this fact proves the existence of a fake coin created by a person. Keeping the original luster on the flat area of the letter G serves as proof of high quality and increases its value.
The Mint Mark and Rarity
Kansas quarters were minted in different cities marked with different letters.
Rarity Comparison Between Cities
According to observations made by many people the defect appears more often on coins from one specific city. This situation is connected to the maintenance of the machines during a certain period of time. Specimens having the other mark and the same level of grease filling are found less often allowing sellers to ask for more money.
Combination With Other Errors
Sometimes the same tool producing the error has other signs of being old and damaged.
The Spitting Bison Error
If the back side of the same coin has a line coming from the mouth of the animal, the value of this coin grows.
People value double errors because they show the extreme stage of tool wear being very interesting for study, and a free coin scanner app checking.
Small Cracks
The presence of small cracks on other letters or design elements can also slightly increase interest by confirming the coin was minted at the end of the tool life.
Market Demand and General Popularity
Unlike many other technical errors this mistake has high recognition outside the small circle of professional collectors.
Popularity of the Funny Name
The word play involving the word COD made this error popular among many people.
This fact creates a constant flow of money into the market and keeps the minimum price high even for coins in bad condition.
Having high popularity is a factor supporting the value because an owner can sell the coin very easily at any time.
The highest value will belong to a Kansas quarter in perfect condition certified by a famous agency having a clear error description on the box. This price is possible only with the total absence of the letter G and the preservation of the perfect luster across the whole surface.
