How to Identify the 2004 Texas State Quarter

What It Is

The 2004 Texas quarter was issued as part of the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters program, honoring Texas, the 28th state admitted to the Union.

Obverse (Front)

The obverse uses the standard 1999-2008 series Washington portrait facing left, with "LIBERTY" above his head, "IN GOD WE TRUST" beside his neck, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the rim, and the date "2004" below the bust.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse features an outline of the state of Texas with a five-pointed star centered on it, the whole design encircled by a loop resembling a lariat (cowboy's rope). "TEXAS" arcs above, the state motto "THE LONE STAR STATE" curves below, and "1845" (the year of statehood) appears near the bottom along with "QUARTER DOLLAR."

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

The coin measures 24.3 mm across and weighs 5.67 grams in standard copper-nickel clad composition, with a reeded edge showing a visible copper-colored core stripe.

Mint Marks

The mint mark is located on the obverse to the right of Washington's ponytail, above the date. "P" denotes Philadelphia, "D" denotes Denver, and "S" appears only on proof coins struck at San Francisco for collector sets.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Texas quarter's map-and-star design is distinctive and won't be confused with other states, though collectors should note the lariat border and star placement carefully, since novelty and fantasy tokens sometimes use a similar star-and-outline motif but lack correct U.S. Mint lettering, denomination, and proportions.

Grading at a Glance

On the obverse, check Washington's cheekbone and the curls near his ear for flattening. On the reverse, examine the fine lines of the lariat border and the edges of the star and state outline; wear will first soften the thin rope-like border before affecting the broader star and map shapes.

Authenticity Red Flags

Standard clad Texas quarters are common and rarely faked. Be cautious of oversized or undersized coins, unusually light or heavy examples relative to 5.67 grams, or pieces with a smooth, unreeded edge, all of which suggest a novelty item, foreign token, or altered coin rather than a genuine Mint product.