The Curious Case of the "Cod" Quarter: A Numismatic Myth Debunked 

We've had at multiple people come into the coin shop asking about 'In Cod We Trust' quarters. Are these rare and valuable errors, as you can see online?

If you've heard whispers or even seen listings for quarters supposedly bearing the inscription "IN COD WE TRUST" instead of the familiar "IN GOD WE TRUST," you're not alone. This recurring numismatic myth frequently sparks excitement among those hoping to have found a valuable error coin. The idea of a U.S. coin advocating for a fish might sound like a hilarious governmental oversight, but I'm here to tell you, it's not a real error. It's a classic case of misinterpretation, often fueled by worn coinage, wishful thinking, and unfortunately, rampant online misinformation.

Why You're Not Going to Get Rich with Your "Cod" Quarter

The truth is, if you think you've found a quarter that says "IN COD WE TRUST," you're likely looking at a regular quarter where the letter "G" in "GOD" has simply become worn down, filled in with grime, or suffered a ding that makes it resemble a "C."

Here's why this isn't a genuine error:

• Minting Standards are Rigorous: The United States Mint has incredibly stringent quality control processes. While minor errors can and do occur (like double dies or off-center strikes), a fundamental misspelling of the national motto on a widespread issue coin would be virtually impossible to miss and distribute. Coins are struck by dies. A die design doesn't accidentally change from a "G" to a "C." There are no records, discoveries, or reports of a die being changed in this manner.

• The "G" is Prone to Wear: Take a look at the font used for "IN GOD WE TRUST" on most quarters. The "G" often has a relatively thin bridge or a small "leg" at the bottom. Over years of circulation, being handled, dropped, and rubbing against other coins, this thin part of the "G" can easily wear away or become obscured, making it appear as an open "C." This is damage or a minor strike-through, not a mint error.

• No Documented Errors: Coin collecting is a well-documented hobby. Major errors are cataloged, researched, and verified by numismatic experts. There is no official or widely recognized record of any U.S. quarter being accidentally minted with "IN COD WE TRUST." If such a coin truly existed, it would be a big deal, not a recurring urban legend.

The Problem of Online Misinformation

So, why are so many people asking about this? A significant part of the problem lies with online search results and platforms like eBay:

• Misleading AI Overviews: If you type "2023 In Cod We Trust quarter" into Google, you might encounter an AI overview that incorrectly states: "2023 In Cod We Trust quarter is a rare coin that features a misprint with the phrase in COD We Trust instead of the intended In God We Trust. The coin is made of silver and has a denomination of 25 cents. Some say it's a must-have for coin collectors and enthusiasts, and others say it's a unique piece of history." This is completely incorrect and contributes to the spread of misinformation.

• Deceptive eBay Listings: A quick search on eBay reveals numerous listings for "In Cod We Trust" quarters, sometimes priced at hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Many of these listings exhibit clear signs of fraud, such as:

  • Exaggerated Prices: Listings for over $1,000, some even $2,500 or $5,000.

  • Zero Feedback Sellers: Many high-priced listings are from sellers with zero feedback, which is a red flag for potential money laundering or attempts to inflate fake values.

  • Misrepresented Images: The images often show a G where the small "leg" or a part of the letter has been knocked off in circulation, hit by the edge of another coin, or simply worn, making it look like a C. It's not an error.

These listings confuse people and affect the entire hobby. When AI scrapes this unverified information, it perpetuates the myth.

What You're Likely Seeing

So, the next time you think you've stumbled upon a "cod" quarter, grab a magnifying glass and take a closer look. You'll almost certainly find that the seemingly missing part of the "G" is either:

• Worn away: The most common culprit.

• Filled with gunk: Dirt, grease, or other foreign material can accumulate in the recesses of the letter.

• Damaged: A small scratch or ding in just the right place can alter the letter's appearance.

• Actually there: Sometimes all it takes is a closer look(either with a microscope or magnifying glass) to realize that the letter IS a G, and not a C!

The Beauty of Worn Coins and the Importance of Due Diligence

While your "cod" quarter isn't going to make you rich, it's a great example of how circulating currency tells a story. Each worn coin has been part of countless transactions, passed through countless hands. The wear and tear are a testament to its journey.

More importantly, this phenomenon highlights the critical need for due diligence when researching coin values. Do not rely solely on generalized AI overviews or unverified listings on auction sites. Instead:

• Consult Reputable Price Guides: Use established resources like PCGS price guides or the Red Book (e.g., the 2025 Redbook).

• Ask Numismatic Communities: Join online coin collecting forums or communities. Experts and experienced collectors are always willing to help verify if a coin is genuinely rare or valuable.

So, while the "IN COD WE TRUST" quarter remains a charming numismatic myth, it serves as a fun reminder to always look closely at your change – and to verify your findings with reliable sources!