Washington quarters, issued from 1965 to today, have become a new attraction in the world of coin collecting. What were once considered common coins are now the center of the “99 million dollar coin craze,” where collectors are searching for rare types, mistake coins, and high-quality examples that are selling for astonishing prices.
Let’s take a look at the characteristics of Washington quarters, rare types, and tips for identifying valuable clad quarters.
Clad Washington Quarters: A Look
In 1965, the US switched from silver to clad coins, as silver prices had risen too much. This change involved the Washington quarters being made with a nickel-copper outer layer over a copper core, as opposed to the earlier coins being 90% silver.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel) |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Design | George Washington profile (obverse); eagle (reverse) |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
Although billions of these quarters were minted, some mistakes and high quality coins are considered extremely valuable by collectors.
Rare 1965–1970 Quarters
During the transition from silver to clad coins, some irregularities occurred that are now selling for thousands of dollars:
- 1965 Silver Quarter Mistake
- Description: Some of the 1965 quarters were mistakenly minted on silver planchets.
- Value: Up to $10,000 in MS65 condition.
- Off-Center Strikes
- Description: When coins are pressed into the die the wrong way, their design becomes one-sided.
- Value: $5,000 to $7,500 depending on condition and severity.
- Double Die Mistake
- Description: Double impression of image or writing due to the wrong direction of the die.
- Value: Coins like the 1983-P double die reverse can sell for $15,000 to $20,000.
- High Quality Coins
- Description: Coins graded MS67 or higher are rare because they typically wear out while in circulation.
- Value: For example, a 1967 quarter with full red-brown toning can sell for $20,000 to $25,000.
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Clad Washington Quarter: A Priceless Treasure
| Year | Variety/Error | Grade (Condition) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Silver Quarter Error | MS65 | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| 1970 | Off-Center Strike | MS64 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| 1983-P | Double Die Reverse | MS67 | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| 1999-P | Delaware Spitting Horse Error | MS68 | $10,000 – $12,000 |
| 1967 | Full Red-Brown Toning | MS67+ | $20,000 – $25,000 |
These coins, often thought of as common pocket coins, have become priceless treasures for collectors willing to invest in finding rare coins.
Collectors’ Wealth: The “99 Million Dollar Coin Craze
This coin craze is growing for several reasons:
- Rarity of Mistakes: Mistakes, such as the 1965 silver quarter, are extremely rare and therefore in high demand among collectors.
- Condition and Grade: Higher quality coins (MS67 or above) are much rarer, and tend to fetch higher prices.
- Market Demand: Interest in coin collecting has increased, especially due to online communities and auction forums, which have increased competition for rare quarters.
- Historical Significance: Coins from this era mark a turning point in U.S. minting history, making them even more appealing.
How to Identify Valuable Clad Washington Quarters
If you’re looking for valuable clad quarters, heed the following tips:
- Look for mistakes: Look at the coins carefully and try to identify irregularities such as double strikes, off-center designs, or planchet mistakes.
- Pay attention to the transitional years (1965–1970): Many minting irregularities occurred during these years as the U.S. was moving from silver to clad coins.
- Check the mint mark: Some rare quarters come from specific mint locations, such as San Francisco or Denver.
- Grade the coin: Send the coins to professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC for certification.
- Find recent sales information: Find information about auction records and market trends, so you can estimate potential value.
The Future of Clad Washington Quarters
As coin collecting grows in popularity, the value of these quarters is likely to increase as well. Collectors are constantly searching for high-quality examples and rare mistakes, proving that treasures still hide in open pockets.
Clad Washington quarters issued since 1965 aren’t just cheap coins—they’re historical relics that may have investment potential. Whether it’s a rare mistake, a high-quality coin, or a transitional anomaly, these coins are capturing the imagination of collectors around the world.
So, the next time you rummage through your pockets, look carefully—you may find a hidden treasure in the form of a rare Washington quarter.
FAQs
Q.Why are Washington Quarters from 1965 onward increasing in value?
A.Errors, limited mintage years, and growing collector interest are boosting their value.
Q.Are all Clad Washington Quarters valuable?
A.Not all, but those with minting errors, rare years, or in excellent condition can be.
Q.How can I tell if my Clad Washington Quarter is valuable?
A.Look for rare mint years, errors, or if the coin is in uncirculated condition.
Q.Can I find rare Clad Washington Quarters in circulation?
A.It’s rare, but sometimes older coins or those with errors pop up in change.