AUCTION RECORD: $12,650 • GEM BU
1965 Quarter
A 1965 quarter is a United States coin minted as part of the Washington quarter series. These quarters were produced in large numbers with a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, and do not contain silver. In circulated condition, 1965 quarters are generally valued close to their face value, but uncirculated examples or those in high grades may carry a slight premium among collectors.
Why are 1965 quarters valuable?
Not all 1965 quarters are valuable, but a small percentage are highly coveted as transitional error coins. During the shift to clad coinage, the U.S. Mint mistakenly struck some quarters on silver planchets from the previous year. This error went unnoticed until these coins were already in circulation.
Transitional error coins like these silver 1965 quarters are exceptionally rare and therefore carry substantial value among collectors. The exact number in existence remains uncertain, contributing to their allure.
Most Expensive 1965 Quarter No Mint Mark Ever Sold
In recent years, only two 1965 silver quarters have been offered for sale. One such coin, graded MS 62 by PCGS, fetched $16,800 at auction in 2020. Coins in better condition could command even higher prices.
Even if a silver 1965 quarter proves elusive, some regular 1965 quarters still hold investment potential. Understanding their value requires examining the price chart to grasp their market worth.
1965 QUARTER PRICE CHART
The price chart for the 1965 quarter relies on the Sheldon Scale system, which rates coins on a scale from 1 to 70.
Coins graded 60 and above are typically considered mint state (MS), with higher grades indicating better condition and greater value. A perfect MS 70 coin exhibits no post-production imperfections.
1965 Quarter No Mint Mark Value
Currently, circulated 1965 quarters generally fetch up to $0.85. However, pristine mint state examples can command significantly higher prices, with values reaching as high as $5,250. Below is an estimated breakdown of values for mint state 1965 quarters:
- MS 60: $1
- MS 61: $2.50
- MS 62: $3.50
- MS 63: $5
- MS 64: $7.50
- MS 65: $10
- MS 66: $35
- MS 67: $395
- MS 67+: $975
- MS 68: $5,250
OTHER VALUABLE 1965 QUARTERS
Other than the silver 1965 quarter, there are several other error coins from 1965 that are sought after by collectors. Here are examples of rare 1965 coins:
OFF-CENTER 1965 WASHINGTON QUARTER
Off-center minting occurs when the coin's die is not properly aligned during striking, resulting in the design being off-center. The degree of offset can vary from 1% to 99%, with higher offsets being more valuable. Despite being relatively common, mint condition off-center 1965 quarters can still fetch around $90.
DOUBLE TAIL 1965 WASHINGTON QUARTER
he double tail error is akin to the double-die error, where the reverse side of the coin is imprinted on both sides. Numismatic records indicate that this error occurred sometime between 1965 and 1967. Only three genuine double tail 1965 quarters are known to exist, with two of them fetching prices of $41,000 and $80,000 at auction. Due to the prevalence of counterfeits, it's crucial to verify authenticity by checking the coin's weight.
DIFFERENT MODULE 1965 WASHINGTON QUARTER
During the transitional period of 1965, various types of coins underwent changes. Some quarters were mistakenly struck on dime or penny planchets, resulting in coins that are smaller and lighter than regular 1965 quarters. These error coins are easily identifiable due to their size and weight differences, making them distinctive among collectors.
These error coins from 1965 highlight the intriguing variations and mistakes that contribute to their rarity and appeal among numismatists.
Broad-Struck and Struck-Through 1965 Quarters
Both broad-struck and struck-through errors on 1965 quarters stem from issues during the coinage process. A broad-struck coin occurs when the retaining collar fails to properly constrain the coin during striking, resulting in a flatter and elongated coin compared to normal. Conversely, a struck-through error happens when foreign matter, like a clip or staple, interferes with the die and planchet during minting.
San Francisco 1965 Special Mint Sets (SMS)
Special Mint Set (SMS) 1965 quarters were produced at the San Francisco Mint without a mint mark, making them visually identical to regular 1965 quarters. Identifying SMS quarters requires careful examination or documentation of their origin.
Collecting 1965 Quarters
Now that you're aware of valuable 1965 quarters, you might want to begin your search. Start by checking common places where coins are stored, such as old collections, family coin jars, or stored coin wrappers. Focus on coins obtained from banks in older urban areas for potential finds.
For collectors looking to invest, prioritize uncirculated quarters. Coins showing signs of circulation—like scratches, wear, or loss of original luster—typically hold less value in the numismatic market.
FAQ
What is the value of a 1965 quarter?
The standard 1965 Washington quarter is generally worth its face value of 25 cents if it's in circulated condition. However, if it's in uncirculated condition, it can be worth around $1 to $2. Rare error coins, like those struck on a silver planchet, can be worth significantly more, ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the coin's condition.
Why are 1965 quarters valuable?
While most 1965 quarters are not particularly valuable, some can be worth more due to errors. The 1965 quarter was the first year the U.S. Mint switched from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition, but a few were accidentally struck on leftover silver planchets. These rare silver quarters are highly sought after by collectors.
How can you tell if a 1965 quarter is silver?
A 1965 quarter struck on a silver planchet will weigh about 6.25 grams, compared to the standard 5.67 grams for copper-nickel quarters. The edge of the quarter will also appear solid silver without the typical copper core stripe visible on standard quarters.
Where can I sell a 1965 quarter?
You can sell a 1965 quarter through various channels, including coin dealers, auction houses, and online platforms like eBay or specialized coin forums. If you suspect you have a silver error quarter, it's recommended to have it professionally appraised first.
What are the most valuable 1965 quarters?
The most valuable 1965 quarters are those struck on silver planchets by mistake. These error coins can be worth thousands of dollars. Additionally, high-grade uncirculated 1965 quarters or those with unique errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can also be valuable.
How many 1965 quarters were minted?
The U.S. Mint produced over 1.8 billion 1965 quarters, making them very common in circulated condition. However, the few rare error coins, like those struck on silver planchets, are much rarer and more valuable.
What makes a 1965 quarter rare?
A 1965 quarter is considered rare if it was struck on a silver planchet instead of the intended copper-nickel clad planchet. Other factors that can make a 1965 quarter rare include minting errors such as double dies or off-center strikes.
Are there any special mint marks on 1965 quarters?
No, there are no mint marks on 1965 quarters. In 1965, the U.S. Mint temporarily removed mint marks from all coins to discourage the hoarding of coins during the transition from silver to clad coinage.
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