Shane E. writes: I have a new 2000 Maryland Quarter with a slight bump at the very tip of the chin. What is this? I was wondering if any other Maryland quarters have been reported having this on them & if not what could possibly be?
You have a “cud” caused by a broken die. Die cracks and “cuds” are the result of a die that is at the end of its useful life. A piece of the die literally fell out and the missing area filled with metal on striking, causing a raised lump. Dies can crack from being at the end of its useful life or from using too much striking pressure. Coin from cracked dies have a raised jagged line at the cracks location. If the die is used further it can, as in this case, begin to actually fall apart.
On Washington quarters, normally, small cuds bring $10 or so and large ones $25. The State quarters have become so popular, especially the errors, that I have no idea what cuds for those currently bring. I’m sure it is far an above the normal market (Sell while everyone is delirious!).
