If you have some 1965 quarters sitting around, you may be wondering if they are worth holding onto or not. There are a few key factors to consider when determining if you should keep or spend your 1960s quarters.
How many 1965 quarters were minted?
In 1965, the United States Mint produced over 1.8 billion quarters for circulation. This was the highest number of quarters ever minted in a single year up until that point. While that may seem like a lot, the demand for quarters was also very high in the booming postwar economy of the 1960s.
| Year | Number of Quarters Minted |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 1,819,205,000 |
With billions of 1965 quarters produced and many still in circulation, most individual 1965 quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, there are some rare exceptions that could make your quarters more valuable…
Check for proof and silver quarters
While most 1965 quarters are ordinary circulation strikes, there are two special versions from that year that are worth looking out for:
Proof 1965 quarters
The U.S. Mint specially produced proof coin sets for coin collectors in 1965. These proof quarters were minted on specially polished planchets and dies to create more of a mirrored look. Around 2-3 million proof quarters were made in 1965, far fewer than regular business strikes.
Proof quarters are valued higher by collectors and can be worth $6-10 if still in mint condition and in the original government packaging. Loose proof quarters are worth less at around $3-5.
Silver 1965 quarters
Up until 1964, quarters contained 90% silver. But in 1965, the U.S. Mint switched to using copper-nickel clads instead of silver in quarters. However, a small number of 1965 quarters were mistakenly minted on leftover silver planchets from earlier years.
These rare 1965 silver quarters look like normal quarters but are actually 90% made of silver. Checking the sides reveals a silver-colored edge rather than the usual copper coloring. Silver 1965 quarters are very scarce and can be auctioned for $500-5000+ depending on condition.
Check for errors and varieties
There are also a few error coins and numismatic varieties among 1965 quarters that are collectible:
- Doubled die obverse – doubling in the motto and date, worth up to $75
- 1965 quarters struck on defective planchets with laminations or clips, worth $20-50
- 1965 quarters struck significantly off-center, $50+ based on how dramatic the error is
While cleaning your quarters, be on the lookout for any coins that look slightly different or abnormal. Odd shapes, surfaces, designs, or details could indicate an error or variety.
Condition is key for rare quarters
If you do find a valuable 1965 quarter, its condition will greatly affect its potential price. Collectors are generally seeking the top possible condition and quality for their coins. Some tips on assessing condition:
- Avoid cleaned, scratched, corroded, or damaged coins
- Look for good luster and no wear on highest points of design
- Light naturally occurring toning can increase desirability
- Grade using Sheldon scale from 1-70 (higher is better)
Since most 1965 quarters have experienced heavy circulation, coins grading AU-50 or higher are considered collectible. For proofs and errors, aim for MS-60 or better.
Should I get my quarters graded?
For extremely rare coins like a silver 1965 quarter, it may be worth the cost of professional grading by NGC or PCGS. This will authenticate the coin, assign an official grade, and allow it to sell for a higher premium. Grading costs around $30 per coin.
For common business strike quarters, grading fees will likely outweigh any extra value from a higher grade. However, you may want to get valuable doubled die and error coins certified in order to verify their authenticity and errors.
What is the value trend for 1960s quarters?
| Year | Mintage | Silver Content? | Valuable Varieties? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | High | No | Doubled die, silver, errors |
| 1966 | High | No | Doubled die |
| 1967 | High | No | Doubled die |
| 1968 | High | No | Doubled die |
| 1969 | High | No | Doubled die |
As you can see, mintage was high for all dates in the 1960s post-silver era. This means mint state examples and errors are the main driver of value for these quarters rather than overall scarcity.
The 1970s quarters had similarly high production numbers. It wasn’t until the 2000s that mintage dropped, potentially increasing future value. But for now, 1960s quarters are still very common in circulation.
What is the bottom line on collecting 1965 quarters?
Here are a few key takeaways on whether to keep your 1965 quarters:
- Most 1965 quarters are only worth face value due to high mintage.
- Look for proof, silver, errors, and doubled die coins which are much rarer.
- Condition is very important – well-worn coins have little collectibility.
- Professional grading recommended for ultra-rare coins only.
- 1960s quarters overall remain plentiful versus earlier series.
While most 1965 quarters are only worth 25 cents, it is still worthwhile to check them for minting anomalies. Identifying proof, silver, or doubled die coins could mean your quarter is suddenly worth $500+ rather than pocket change. Always be on the lookout for unusual or scarce coins whencoin roll hunting quarters from the mid 20th century.
Should I sell my valuable 1965 quarters?
If you have a verified double die, proof, or silver 1965 quarter, the decision of whether to sell it or not depends on a few factors:
- Your personal interest in coin collecting – are you a quarterenthusiast?
- Your financial needs – could you use the money now?
- If the value is still rising or plateauing – is it still appreciating?
- If you want to leave it to heirs – is it an inheritance?
Rare coins often become treasured family keepsakes passed down through generations. Many collectors develop a passion and decide to hold onto their most valuable finds. But for others, selling brings in significant funds that may be more useful elsewhere.
Selling options
If you do decide to sell your rare 1965 quarter, here are some options to get full value:
- Coin dealers – Get quotes from reputable local and online coin dealers. They will pay based on condition and demand.
- Auction houses – A higher stakes option, but auctions can set record sale prices for the rarest coins.
- Online auction sites – eBay and other auction platforms connect you with eager buyers but have listing fees.
- Coin shows – Attend a show to find serious collectors and wholesale distributors.
Just make sure you have the coin properly authenticated and graded first. This will maximize the sale value. Also beware of counterfeits and scams when dealing with valuable quarters.
Are 1965 Washington quarters a good investment?
With the vast majority only worth a quarter, most 1965 Washington quarters do not make compelling investments currently. The nominal rise in silver value is outweighed by inflation over the decades. However, for the reasons below, certain coins could appreciate into the future:
- Special versions like proofs and errors have outpaced inflation so far
- Further loss, damage, or grading upgrades will reduce supply
- Potential for numismatic speculative bubbles
- Market for Washington quarters remains huge
- General collector demand rising with millennial engagement
Graded mint state, proof, silver, and doubled die coins from 1965 have demonstrated solid price growth versus the past. As with all collectibles, scarcity, quality, and demand are key factors. But the majority of well-worn regular business strikes will likely remain at face value.
Should I get my 1965 quarters graded?
For common 1965 quarters that are worn with no minting errors, professional grading will not add any premium over the base 25 cent value. However, for coins in mint state (MS) condition or better, grading could significantly boost value if a high grade is attained.
NGC and PCGS are the top two reputable services to use. Here are the approximate values for grading a 1965 quarter:
| Grade | NGC/PCGS Value |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | $1-2 |
| MS-63 | $3-5 |
| MS-65 | $15-25 |
| MS-67 | $75-100+ |
For a mint state quarter to reach MS-67 or higher is very difficult and earns big premiums. However, even a common MS-63 graded quarter will sell for 10x+ its base value!
Should I get proofs and errors graded?
Proof and silver 1965 quarters should definitely be submitted for grading if they are in pristine condition. Even grades below PR-70 can quickly escalate value. Errors like doubled dies and off-center strikes will also likely merit grading.
Just be sure the high value item is authentic first and the grading fees will be covered by the expected premium. Handle coins carefully and package them very securely for shipping if grading.
How should I store my 1965 quarters?
To keep your vintage quarters protected over the long term, proper storage methods are important. Here are some tips:
- Avoid PVC plastics which can cause corrosion
- Use inert plastics like Mylar 2×2 holders or plastic capsules
- Flat storage trays can also work if clean
- Paper envelopes OK for temporary storage only
- Circulated coins can be stored in plastic tubes/rolls
- Ultra rare coins may need specialized encapsulation
Always handle coins carefully by the edges and over a soft surface. Use cotton gloves if necessary. Make sure surfaces are clean before placing in storage. Avoid potential humidity and temperature extremes if possible.
Should I get my quarters graded before storing?
For ultra high value quarters like proofs or mint state examples grading before storage makes sense. The rigid sonically-sealed holders provide an added layer of protection and authentication. The grading fee will also be covered by the boost in the coin’s value.
However, for common well-circulated quarters that are only worth face value, grading would not make financial sense. These can be safely stored in plastic tubes, rolls, or 2×2 cardboard holders without encapsulation.
Conclusion
While most 1965 Washington quarters are only worth a quarter, searching through yours may reveal some surprising rarities now worth $500+. Save all proofs, silvers, errors, and extreme condition coins. And always be on the lookout for less obvious oddities as well when inspecting your 1960s quarters.