The humble Washington quarter, minted from 1965 to the present, is enjoying newfound attention in the coin-collecting world. Once thought to be ordinary, these coins have become the centerpiece of a “$99 million coin craze,” with collectors hunting for rare varieties, mint errors, and high-grade examples that fetch astonishing prices.
Let’s looks into the features, standout rarities, and tips for identifying valuable clad quarters.
Clad Washington Quarters
Because the price of silver increased during 1965, the United States switched from making silver clad coins. The composition of the new Washington quarters is a copper-nickel outer layer bonded to a copper core, as opposed to the 90% silver used for earlier coins.
Although billions of these quarters have been produced, errors and high-grade specimens have garnered much attention and value from collectors.
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) |
Rare Quarters from 1965–1970
This was when the silver was replaced by clad coins in 1965, resulting in several anomalies that are now worth thousands of dollars:
1. 1965 Silver Quarter Error

It is a rare case where some of the 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets.
Value: Up to $10,000 in MS65 condition.
2. Off-Center Strikes
Coins that are struck off-center due to improper alignment of dies.
Value: Often worth $5,000 to $7,500, depending on severity and grade.
3. Double Die Errors
Details: Double images or inscriptions caused due to misalignment of dies.
Price: Doubled coin, such as the 1983-P Double Die Reverse, can be estimated at prices ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.
4. High-Grade Coins
Details: The circulation wear and tear prevents MS67 and above coins from happening very often.
Price: For instance, a 1967 quarter graded Full Red-Brown Toning sold for $20,000 to $25,000.
These coins often lie in pocket change and are considered a treasure for collectors willing to spend money on a rare find.
Clad Washington Quarters
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 |
Millionaire Collectors
Several factors fuel the “$99 million coin craze”:
- Rarity: Errors such as the 1965 Silver Quarter Error, because of their rarity, create high demand.
- Grading and Condition: MS67 or above; coins with that level of grade are hard to find and usually attract a premium price.
- Market Demand: Rising interest in collecting coins, aided by online forums and auction sites, has made competition for rare quarters extremely fierce.
- Historical Importance: Coins minted during this period mark an important turning point in the history of the U.S. mint, thus making them a great collector’s item.

How to Identify
To find valuable clad quarters, observe the following tips:
1. Check for Errors
Check coins for irregularities such as a double strike, off-center design, or planchet errors.
2. Transitional Years (1965–1970)
These years experienced a lot of minting errors during the transition of the U.S. from silver to clad coins.
3. Look for the Mint Mark
Some of the rare quarters were minted at specific locations such as San Francisco or Denver.
4. Get the Coin Graded
Have coins graded by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
5. Research Recent Sales
Stay up to date with auction records and market trends to determine possible values.
Future of Clad Washington Quarters
With increasing popularity in coin collecting, the values of these quarters are expected to rise. High-grade examples and rare errors are still being discovered, proving that treasures are indeed hidden in plain sight.
Clad Washington quarters minted from 1965 onwards are much more than just spare change—they are historical artifacts with the potential to become valuable investments. Whether it is the rare error, the high-grade specimen or some transitional anomaly, these coins managed to stand out in the imagination of collectors around the globe.
So, the next time you’re sorting through your pocket change, take a closer look—you might just find a hidden treasure in the form of a valuable Washington quarter.
FAQs:
What is a 1965 Silver Quarter Error?
What is a 1965 Silver Quarter Error?
How do I identify valuable quarters?
Look for errors like double strikes, off-center designs, and high-grade specimens.