Washington 25¢, 1968, Die & Collar Set, 25¢

25¢, 1968 (Proof)-Die & Collar Set.

While the US Mint has sold defaced dies for years this example stands above those. While most have been ground down flat so that no design elements remain this set is different. Formerly used to strike 1968 Proof Washington Quarters these dies were deface with a blowtorch. The resulting defacement leaves the date and some lettering visible on the dies. What makes this set even more interesting is the deface reeded collar that accompanies it.