The "Spitting Horse" Delaware Quarter: A State Quarter Myth or Fact?
In 1999, Delaware became the first state in the series, featuring Caesar Rodney on his famous midnight ride to Philadelphia. On the reverse, Rodney is depicted on horseback. Shortly after release, collectors noticed something odd: on some quarters, a small, raised line appeared to extend from the horse's mouth, as if it were... spitting.The Reality: A "Die Break" ErrorThis isn't damage or wear. It's a genuine, though minor, mint error called a "die break." Here's how it happens:Over time, the intense pressure of striking thousands of coins causes a tiny crack to form in the coin die.That crack fills with metal during the striking process.The result? A thin, raised line of metal on every subsequent coin struck by that cracked die.In this case, the crack ran from the horse's mouth area, creating the "spitting" illusion. It's a small, quirky error that captured collectors' imaginations.Is Yours a Spitter?The line is subtle and requires a close look. It's not a rare, high-value error (circulated examples are common and worth little premium), but it's a fun piece of numismatic folklore and a great introduction to the world of die varieties.Fact or Fiction?It's fact—a real, documented die break. But its value is more about coolness than cash. The real thrill is in the discovery.Think you've found a spitter? Don't rely on memory. Use the coin identifier app to get a definitive ID on your quarter. Then, use the zoom feature to examine that horse's mouth. Happy hunting!