Are you curious about the value of a 1967 American quarter? At HOW.EDU.VN, we understand the fascination with vintage coinage and the factors that determine their worth. The value of a 1967 quarter depends on several key elements, including its condition, rarity, and any potential errors. Discover the true worth of your coin, understanding its composition, historical significance, and collectibility. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand coin grading, special mint sets, and notable variations. Unlock the secrets of numismatics and precious metal investing with HOW.EDU.VN!
1. Design of the 1967 Quarter
The Washington Quarter, featuring General George Washington, was introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of his birth. Designed by John Flanagan, it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter. The obverse displays Washington’s effigy, with “LIBERTY” above and the mint year below. To Washington’s left is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
The reverse side depicts a bald eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing strength and freedom. Above the eagle are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “out of many, one.” The coin’s face value is inscribed at the bottom.
The 1967 Washington Quarter features a portrait of George Washington on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse.
2. Historical Significance and Coinage Changes
In 1965, the rising price of silver led to a situation where the value of silver coins nearly exceeded their face value. The public began hoarding silver coins for their intrinsic value, causing a significant coin shortage.
This situation forced the U.S. Mint to alter the composition of the dime, quarter dollar, and half dollar. They transitioned from 90% silver to a clad alloy consisting of copper-nickel outer layers over a pure copper core. According to research from the United States Mint, this change was crucial to stabilizing the nation’s coinage supply during the silver crisis.
Additionally, from 1965 to 1967, all new copper quarters were minted without mint marks, indicating a move towards standardized production across mint facilities.
3. Understanding Mint Marks
Mint marks indicate where a coin was produced and hold the facility accountable for its quality. The U.S. Mint uses “D” for Denver, “P” for Philadelphia, “S” for San Francisco, and “W” for West Point.
Historically, mint marks ensured each facility met quality specifications, especially when coins were made of precious metals. Initially, Philadelphia did not use a mint mark, as it was the only operating mint. This changed after 1942, with “P” appearing occasionally.
The Coinage Act of 1965 temporarily eliminated mint marks to discourage collecting, as the Mint focused on meeting the nation’s coinage demands. As a result, the 1967 Washington Quarter lacks a mint mark, adding to its numismatic interest due to its association with this period of standardized coinage production. Coin collectors sometimes seek coins from specific mints due to their historical importance.
4. Rarity and Collectors’ Demand
A coin’s value depends on both its rarity and the demand among collectors. Scarce and highly sought-after coins command the highest prices.
The U.S. Mint produced over 1.5 billion 1967 Washington Quarters for circulation. While common, coins graded MS67 and above are more difficult to find, particularly older coins. According to a study by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), higher-grade coins are more desirable and thus more valuable.
5. Coin Grading and Professional Services
Coin grading is a crucial numismatic tool that assesses a coin’s condition on a scale from 1 to 70, where 1 indicates poor quality and 70 indicates excellent or mint condition. Professional grading services like NCG and PCGS use this system.
The Sheldon Grading Scale is a standard tool used by professional coin grading services to assess the condition and quality of coins.
The term “Uncirculated” refers to coins minted for collection rather than circulation. These coins are typically graded from MS60 to MS70.
5.1. Circulated Coins
Circulated coins show signs of wear and tear, such as dents and bruises. A circulated quarter is usually graded between 1 and 59. Common signs of wear on a Washington Quarter include the fading of details in George Washington’s hair.
5.2. Uncirculated Coins
Uncirculated coins retain their original luster and appear almost brand new. They are typically graded between 60 and 70 and carry the acronym MS, representing Mint State. Even a coin that has been in circulation can be graded as uncirculated if it maintains its Mint State with no signs of wear or imperfections.
6. Metal Composition and Intrinsic Value
The 1967 Washington Quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad, which means its value is primarily based on its numismatic worth rather than its metal content. Precious metal coins, on the other hand, have a value largely determined by the market price of their precious metal composition.
While the 1967 Washington Quarter does not contain silver, its historical and collectible value makes it worth more than its face value. According to economic analysts at Gainesville Coins, the intrinsic value of pre-1965 silver quarters makes them attractive to investors and collectors.
7. Face Value vs. Numismatic Value
Washington Quarters have a face value of 25 cents. However, their numismatic value, determined by their historical significance and collectibility, often exceeds this amount.
For example, American Silver Eagles have a face value, but their market price is much higher due to the costs involved in their production, design, and the backing of the United States Mint. These added costs are known as a “premium.”
The 1967 Washington Quarter, though not made of silver, is worth more than its face value due to its historical context and appeal to collectors.
8. 1967 25C SMS (Special Strike) Quarters
SMS quarters, or Special Mint Sets, are special strikes within the Washington Quarter series. These differ from regular strikes due to their proof-like finish. According to PCGS data, a CAMEO variant can fetch around $22 if graded SP-65, and up to $4,500 in higher grades. A DCAMEO (deep cameo) can be worth around $135 in MS65, and even $5,750 in MS68.
The record price for this variety was in 2016, when a Specimen was auctioned for $4,700.
9. Price Chart for 1967 Washington Quarters
| 1967 Washington Quarter (25 cents) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Copper-Nickel Clad | ||||||
| Grade | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 |
| SP | ||||||
| 1967 SMS | $15 | $20 | $32 | $165 | $1,600 | – |
| 1967 SMS DDR FS-801 | $125 | $165 | $200 | – | – | – |
| 1967 SMS DDO FS-101 | 160 | 205 | 205 | 450 | – | – |
| CAMEO | ||||||
| 1967 SMS | 24 | 34 | 100 | 850 | 4,500 | – |
| 1967 SMS DDR FS-801 | $165 | $275 | $550 | – | – | – |
| 1967 SMS DDO FS-101 | 240 | 385 | 450 | – | – | – |
| DEEP CAMEO | ||||||
| 1967 SMS | 175 | 500 | 2,150 | 5,750 | – | – |
Data: PCGS
10. Notable Variations and Errors in 1967 Quarters
Error coins are highly valued due to their rarity, uniqueness, and historical interest. These coins deviate from the standard production process, making them scarce and sought after by collectors.
10.1. 1967 Struck On Nickel Planchet Quarter Error
This error occurs when a Washington Quarter is struck on a nickel (5 cents) planchet. The proportions do not match, as a quarter planchet is larger. On a nickel planchet, the designs will fade out near the borders.
Obverse of a 1967 quarter struck on a nickel planchet, showing faded edges and incorrect proportions.
Reverse of a 1967 quarter struck on a nickel planchet, exhibiting a similar off-center and faded appearance.
One such coin was sold for $188 at Heritage Auctions in 2013.
10.2. Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not correctly positioned on the press. This results in the design being struck on only a portion of the coin, rather than in the center.
The reverse of an off-center 1967 quarter, where the design is not struck in the center of the coin.
While center strike errors are typically worth around $100, one particular coin sold for $79.99 on eBay.
10.3. Double Die Obverse
In a double-die coin error, a second design is stamped above the first one. This often results in a shadow-like effect and may not be easily identifiable.
A 1967 double die quarter, showing a shadow-like effect where the design is stamped twice.
According to the PCGS price chart, these coins are worth between $45 and $450 in mint state.
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12. Final Thoughts
Understanding the value of 1967 quarters is important for their potential financial worth and the insights they offer into history, culture, and numismatics. Whether you are a hobbyist, an investor, or simply curious, knowing the value of coins enriches the experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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14. FAQs
14.1. Is a quarter from 1967 worth anything?
According to the PCGS price guide, a 1967 quarter can be worth between $20 and $6,000 in Mint State condition. However, collectors’ demand and rarity can affect the price. In 2017, a rare 1967 quarter in ungraded MS68 was sold for $8,813 at Heritage Auctions.
14.2. What is the error in the 1967 quarter?
The most well-known errors in the 1967 Washington quarters are the off-center strike error, worth around $100, and the double die variant, which can fetch $450 in uncirculated conditions.
14.3. Which quarter is worth $35000?
According to the PCGS price guide, 1947 Washington quarters made of 90% Silver and 10% Copper can fetch around $35,000 in Mint State. Additionally, the 1934 Washington Quarter from Denver, with a Heavy Motto, conserved in Mint State (or uncirculated condition) and also made of 90% silver, is appraised at around $35,000.
14.4. What quarters in the 60s are worth money?
Even though every quarter from the ’60s has a certain numismatic value, quarters produced until 1964 contained 90% silver. As a result, these ‘pre-1965’ quarters not only hold numismatic significance but also carry intrinsic value (or melt value) due to their silver content.
14.5. Are 1776 to 1976 quarters worth anything?
1776-1976 quarters, often referred to as the Bi-centennial reverse, hold significant value among collectors. Due to their commemorative nature, with a different design on the reverse side, these coins are relatively rare and are not commonly found in circulation. In Mint State conditions, they can sell from $34 to as high as $4,350, particularly in high grades.
