1964 Quarter Value

The  1964 quarter holds a special place in the history of the United States coinage, which marks the last year of the 90% silver quarter. This makes the 1964 quarter highly valuable to collectors.

• Circulated Condition: A typical 1964 quarter in circulated condition is worth about $5 due to its silver content.
• Uncirculated Condition: In uncirculated condition, these quarters can fetch prices between $7 and $10.
• Proof Versions: Proof versions of the 1964 quarter, especially those in pristine condition, can be worth $15 or more.

Learn more about the 1964 quarter value and the origins of the quarter series to discover why this coin holds such a special place in American numismatic history.

AUCTION RECORD: $38,400 • MS68 • 03-31-2021

History of Silver Quarters

The history of the silver quarter is closely tied to the history of Spanish coins and the “Pieces of Eight,” also known as Spanish dollars.

Spanish Coins and the Pieces of Eight

The first Spanish silver coins, or dollars, were minted in the late 15th century and are known as the “real de plata,” translating to “royal of silver.” These coins were initially used for trade and commerce in Spain but soon became a popular form of currency worldwide.

The Pieces of Eight were introduced in the late 16th century, during the reign of Philip II of Spain. They were so named because they were worth eight reals, or eight of the smaller silver coins that preceded them. The Pieces of Eight quickly became the most widely used currency in the world and were used in trade between Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

The Spanish empire maintained the dominance of the Pieces of Eight for centuries due to their extensive colonization of the Americas, where large silver deposits were discovered. These silver mines, such as the famous Potosi mine in modern-day Bolivia, allowed the Spanish to produce large amounts of silver and coinage.

In the United States, Spanish silver coins such as the Pieces of Eight and the smaller Spanish quarter, also known as the “two bits,” were widely used until the mid-19th century, when it continued to circulate here alongside the U.S. Mint-struck coins. The Spanish quarter, worth two reals or one-eighth of a Spanish dollar, became the basis for the American quarter, which was first minted at the United States Mint in 1796.

History of the Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter is a United States coin introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.

The Bicentennial Committee and Fine Arts Commission was formed to pick a design winner for what was originally going to be a half dollar. The winning design for this US coin is the one the Commission recommended by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser.

However, the Secretary of the Treasury insisted on one from John Flanagan. The coin features a portrait of Washington on the obverse (front) side and an eagle on the reverse (back) side. Before 1932, the quarter displayed standing lady liberty.

When the Washington Quarter was first introduced, it was made of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams. This composition was maintained until 1965, when rising silver prices led to a change in the precious metal composition of the quarter.

In 1964, the United States government decided to stop using silver in its coins due to the rising cost of the metal. This decision led to the 1964 Washington Quarter being the last U.S. quarter made with 90% silver. Starting in 1965, the quarter was made of a copper-nickel-clad composition, which is still used today.

The change in composition did not affect the design of the Washington Quarter. However, in 1975, the eagle on the reverse side of the coin was replaced with a design depicting a colonial drummer issued in 1975 and 1976 for the American bicentennial using only those two years. After that, it returned to the eagle design until the start of the 50 State Quarter series in 1999, with more changes later.

Today, the 1964 Washington Quarter is highly sought after by collectors due to its pure silver metal content and historical significance as the final year of 90% of quarter-dollar coins. The Washington Quarter remains in circulation, although the composition and design have changed.

Round Up of the 1964 Quarter

The 1964 Quarter value guides are as follows:

1964 Quarter, Regular Strike Value

The 1964 quarter weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The coin features the bust of George Washington on the obverse side and an eagle on the reverse side.

This quarter was produced at three United States Mint locations, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The mint mark can be found on the reverse side, above the eagle, until 1968, when it was moved to the obverse. Its mintage was over 1.2 billion, making it one of the most produced quarters in U.S. history. Despite this high mintage, the coin is still considered rare because many were melted down for their silver content.

Today, the regular strike value of a 1964 quarter is worth around $6 to $8. A coin in uncirculated condition can be worth hundreds of dollars.

1964-D Quarter, Regular Strike Value

The 1964-D quarter was minted in the Denver Mint and had a “D” mint mark on the reverse side, above the eagle. It features George Washington on the obverse side. This quarter had a mintage of over 704 million, making it one of the most produced quarters in U.S. history, but it was melted down for its silver content.

Circulated 1964-D quarters, in average condition, are worth around $6 (USD), while those in pristine condition and higher grades can command hundreds to thousands of dollars, according to PCGS.

1964 (S) Quarter, Proof Value

The 1964 (S) proof quarter was produced at the San Francisco Mint and had an “(S)” mint mark on the reverse side, above the eagle. Unlike regular strike quarters produced in 1964, the proof version was struck with a unique process that gave it a mirror-like finish and sharp details. These coins were made with special care and were not intended for circulation.

This proof set quarter had a mintage of just over three million, making it relatively rare compared to regular strike quarters produced that year. Based on the condition, an average 1964 proof quarter’s face value is around $10 to $15. Higher grades can command hundreds to thousands of dollars.

1964 Quarter, Special Mint Set

The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter was produced at the Philadelphia Mint and had no mint mark, distinguishing it from regular strike and proof quarters made that year.

The special mint set quarter was struck with a unique process that gave it a distinct satin finish, similar to the proof version but not as mirror-like. These coins were made with special care, minted with just over 1.1 million, making them rare and not intended to circulate like the 1964-S proof quarter.

Currently, the 1964 SMS quarter, in average condition, is valued from $20 to $25 (USD). Higher grades and uncirculated coins are worth $1,500 to $25,000, making them highly sought-after by numismatic experts.

1964-D Quarter with 1965 Reverse

The 1964-D quarter with a 1965 reverse is a highly unusual error coin. In 1965, the United States Mint changed the design of the reverse side of the quarter to feature a new image of an eagle. Some 1964-D quarters were struck using a reverse die from 1965, resulting in a quarter with a 1965 reverse and a 1964-D obverse.

1964 Quarter Errors

Several error coins can be found in the 1964 quarter series, including the following:

1964 Quarter Double Die Obverse

This 1964 DDO quarter was struck in Philadelphia, where the error is found on the obverse side, where doubling can be seen in the letters “In God We Trust.” Presently, this error coin is valued from $145 to $250.

1964-D Double Die Reverse

In circulated fine condition, this double die reverse error coin is worth between $40 to $120 in the same grade. Higher grades can command between $650 to $2,000.

1964 Quarter, Type B Reverse

The 1964 Type B reverse error quarter was intended for proof coins. The error can be spotted by looking at the “E” and the “S” in the word “States.” Depending on grade, this quarter’s value ranges from $26 to $110.

Bullion Shark: Experts in Coin Collecting

The 1964 quarters are significant and highly sought after for several reasons. They were the last circulating U.S. quarters to be made with 90% silver content, marking the end of a long tradition of silver coinage in the United States. These rare coins are highly desirable to experts in coin collecting.

Need an expert opinion on coin values? Visit Bullion Shark today.

Sources:

Everything You Need to Know About Washington Quarters | Coin Week

1964 Quarter Value - Mints, Errors And Worth | Craftbuds

Historical Echoes: Aye, That Piece of Eight You Be Thinkin’ of Were a Precursor to Today’s Dollar | Liberty Street Economics

History Overview | U.S. Mint

FAQ

What is the basic 1964 quarter value?

The basic 1964 quarter value largely depends on the current price of silver. Since these quarters are composed of 90% silver, their value at a minimum reflects their melt value — the value of the silver content itself. However, even in circulated condition, a 1964 quarter can be worth more than its melt value to collectors, especially if it's in a higher grade.

How does condition affect 1964 quarter value?

Condition significantly affects the 1964 quarter value. A quarter in a higher grade, such as Mint State (MS) condition, can be worth much more than one in circulated condition. Collectors often seek out the best-preserved coins, and those graded by reputable services like PCGS or NGC can fetch higher prices. Specifically, 1964 quarters with no wear and strong luster are valued much higher than those with signs of circulation.

What is the 1964 quarter value if it has a mint mark?

The 1964 quarter value can vary slightly depending on its mint mark. Quarters minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark) in 1964 generally have similar values in circulated conditions. However, in uncirculated conditions with higher grades, Denver minted quarters (marked with a "D") might fetch slightly more due to a lower mintage compared to their Philadelphia counterparts.

Is there a difference in 1964 quarter value between the Philadelphia and Denver mints?

Yes, there can be a difference in 1964 quarter value between the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark) mints, especially among collectors focusing on uncirculated or high-grade coins. While the difference is not typically significant for circulated coins, uncirculated and higher-grade coins from the Denver mint might command a premium due to their slightly lower mintage numbers.

What is the 1964 proof quarter value?

The 1964 proof quarter value is generally higher than that of its circulated and uncirculated counterparts due to its special minting process, which results in a more polished and detailed appearance. Proof quarters from 1964 were minted in Philadelphia and are sought after by collectors, especially those in pristine condition or encapsulated in original mint packaging.

Can errors affect the 1964 quarter value?

Yes, errors can significantly affect the 1964 quarter value. Error coins, such as those with double dies, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets, are rare and sought after by collectors. An error on a 1964 quarter can increase its value substantially, depending on the type and severity of the error.

How do I find the current 1964 quarter value?

To find the current 1964 quarter value, you can consult recent sales and auctions, visit local coin dealers, or check online numismatic databases. The value of silver also fluctuates, so the melt value of the 1964 silver quarter changes accordingly. For a precise valuation, especially for higher-grade or error coins, consider having the coin professionally graded.

Learn more about:  1943 Steel penny value, 1944 wheat penny value, how many quarters in a roll, wheat penny value, valuable pennies, what quarters are worth money, silver quarters.