I was examining my new Missouri quarter, and I noticed at the base of Ole Georges head, above the O in Dollar of Quarter dollar, I saw some “markings”. I got out my magnifying glass. No dice. My mircoscope did the trick, only to result in illegible scribble. Can anyone tell me what it is? I am assuming that it is the engravers signature, but i might be wrong. everybody knows what assuming does.(makes and ass out of u. get it? assume? oh well).
Thanks for the help.
JCM
Sorry, haven’t seen the new Missouri quarter. It wasn’t until the beginning of this month that I saw a Maine quarter. I think they must distribute them in their namesake states first.
It isn’t just on the MIssouri quarters, of course. Since you’re looking at the obverse(front) of the coin, you’re looking at the same thing that has been on every quarter since they redesigned it in 1999.
If you go to the US Mint’s website. (www.USMint.gov) you can find a blowup picture of that obverse of the proof quarter. This will give you a better picture than the normal “business” or uncirculated strike.
It is, indeed, the designer’s initials. If you click on “The New Obverse” on This page you will see a great blowup picture.
The first two initials are “JF” and stand for John Flanigan, the original sculptor who designed the Washington quarter in 1932. The next two ititials are “WC” and stand for William Cousins, the engraver who redesigned the quarter obverse in 1999.