Post-1965 Quarters That Could Be Worth $5,000+: A Collector’s Guide
Collecting modern U.S. quarters can be both a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. While many post-1965 quarters are common, certain rare varieties and errors have fetched impressive sums at auctions, sometimes exceeding $5,000. This guide delves into these valuable quarters, highlighting key features that make them sought after by collectors.
Understanding the 1965 Transition
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver quarters to a copper-nickel clad composition due to rising silver prices. This change aimed to prevent the melting down of coins for their silver content. However, during this transition, some 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on silver planchets intended for 1964 coins. These rare errors are highly valuable today.
Key Post-1965 Quarters Worth Noting
Below is a table summarizing notable post-1965 quarters that have achieved significant auction prices:
| Year | Description | Grade | Auction Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Silver Planchet Error | AU58 | $7,050 | Struck on leftover silver planchets from 1964. |
| 1966 | Washington Quarter | MS68+ | $21,000 | High-grade example with exceptional preservation. |
| 1976-S | Silver Bicentennial Quarter | MS69 | $19,200 | Celebratory issue with a special composition. |
| 1999-S | Silver Delaware State Quarter | PR70 Deep Cameo | $17,250 | Proof coin with flawless finish. |
| 1982-P | Washington Quarter | MS68 | $10,200 | Scarce high-grade coin from a year with no mint sets. |
Notable Error Quarters
- 1965 Silver Planchet Error
- Description: Quarters struck in 1965 were intended to be copper-nickel clad. However, some were mistakenly minted on 90% silver planchets leftover from 1964.
- Identification: Weighs approximately 6.25 grams (compared to 5.67 grams for clad quarters) and lacks the visible copper edge.
- Value: Depending on condition, these errors can fetch between $5,000 and $10,000 at auction.
- 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters
- Description: Some Wisconsin state quarters exhibit an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either pointing upwards (High Leaf) or downwards (Low Leaf).
- Cause: Believed to be due to die gouges or polishing errors during minting.
- Value: Depending on condition, these coins can range from $30 in circulated condition to $3,200 in uncirculated grades.
Factors Influencing Quarter Values
- Mint Errors: Unique errors, such as double dies or planchet anomalies, can significantly increase a coin’s value.
- Grade and Condition: Coins graded MS67 or higher are rare and command premium prices.
- Low Mintage: Quarters produced in limited quantities or with unique features are more desirable to collectors.
Tips for Collectors
- Examine Coin Edges: For potential silver planchet errors, check the coin’s edge. A solid silver appearance may indicate a silver composition, while a visible copper stripe suggests a clad coin.
- Weigh Your Coins: Use a precise scale to determine the coin’s weight. Silver quarters weigh approximately 6.25 grams, whereas clad quarters weigh about 5.67 grams.
- Stay Informed: Regularly consult updated coin value guides and attend coin shows to stay abreast of market trends.
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1965 quarter is silver?
Check the coin’s edge; a silver quarter will lack the copper stripe found on clad coins. Additionally, weighing the coin can help; silver quarters weigh around 6.25 grams.
Are all 1965 quarters valuable?
No, only those struck on silver planchets or in exceptionally high grades are particularly valuable. Most 1965 quarters are common and worth face value.
What does ‘MS68’ mean in coin grading?
‘MS’ stands for ‘Mint State,’ indicating the coin is uncirculated. The number ’68’ denotes the coin’s condition on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers representing better preservation.
