Understanding how much a 1967 quarter is worth involves examining several key factors. This comprehensive guide from HOW.EDU.VN will delve into the nuances of assessing the value of a 1967 quarter, covering its design, historical context, rarity, grading, and potential errors. For tailored expert advice and in-depth analysis, connect with our esteemed team of PhDs at HOW.EDU.VN, ensuring you receive top-tier consulting services. Delve into coin valuation, numismatic analysis, and coin collecting insights.
1. Decoding the 1967 Quarter: Design and Composition
1.1 The Enduring Design of the Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter, a staple of American coinage, was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Designed by John Flanagan, it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter. The obverse side of the coin features a profile of George Washington, with the inscription “LIBERTY” above his head and the mint year below. To Washington’s left, the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed.
The reverse side depicts a bald eagle with outstretched wings, the national bird symbolizing strength and freedom. Above the eagle, the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “out of many, one”) are displayed. The coin’s face value, “QUARTER DOLLAR,” is located at the bottom.
1.2 The Shift in Composition: From Silver to Clad
A crucial factor influencing the value of the 1967 quarter is its composition. In 1965, rising silver prices led to the value of silver coins approaching their face value. This prompted people to hoard silver coins, causing a coin shortage.
To address this, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of dimes, quarter dollars, and half dollars from 90% silver to a clad alloy. This new composition consisted of copper-nickel outer layers over a core of pure copper. The 1967 quarter is thus made of this clad material, significantly affecting its intrinsic value compared to pre-1965 silver quarters.
Additionally, from 1965 to 1967, the Mint suspended the use of mint marks on all new copper quarters.
2. Historical Significance and Mint Marks
2.1 The Historical Context of the 1967 Quarter
The 1967 Washington Quarter is a product of a transitional period in American coinage. The decision to remove silver from circulating coinage was a significant event driven by economic pressures. The absence of mint marks during this period further underscores the unique historical context of these coins.
The 1967 quarter represents a pivotal moment when the U.S. Mint adapted to changing economic conditions by altering the composition of its coins. This historical significance contributes to its numismatic interest.
2.2 Understanding Mint Marks: A Key to Coin Identification
Mint marks are essential for identifying the origin of a coin. According to the U.S. Mint, these marks serve to pinpoint the specific minting facility responsible for production, ensuring accountability for quality. Current mint marks include:
- “D” for Denver (CO)
- “P” for Philadelphia (PA)
- “S” for San Francisco Mint (CA)
- “W” for West Point (NY)
In the early days of the U.S. Mint, the Philadelphia branch was the sole operating facility, eliminating the need for a mint mark. Even after other mints opened and mint marks were introduced in 1838, Philadelphia continued to omit the “P” mark until 1942.
The Coinage Act of 1965 temporarily eliminated mint marks to discourage coin collecting and focus on meeting the nation’s coinage demands. As such, the 1967 Washington Quarter does not bear a mint mark, making it distinctive.
The absence of a mint mark on the 1967 quarter symbolizes a period of standardized coin production across all mint facilities due to the coin shortage. This aspect adds to its appeal among numismatists.
3. Scarcity, Demand, and Coin Grading
3.1 The Role of Rarity and Collector Demand
Rarity alone isn’t enough to guarantee a coin’s high value. There must also be substantial demand from collectors and investors. Coins that are both rare and highly sought after command the highest prices in the market.
When a coin is scarce, meaning that very few specimens are available, demand usually outweighs supply. This shortage can dramatically increase prices as collectors compete to acquire the limited number of coins available.
The U.S. Mint produced over 1.5 billion 1967 Washington Quarters. While not inherently rare, finding coins graded MS67 (Mint State 67) and above is more challenging, especially for older coins.
3.2 Coin Grading: A Standard for Assessing Value
Coin grading is a critical tool in numismatics, using a numeric scale from 1 to 70 to assess a coin’s condition. A grade of 1 indicates poor quality, while 70 signifies excellent or mint condition. Professional grading services like NCG and PCGS use this system to provide a standardized assessment of a coin’s condition.
The term “Uncirculated” is often used to describe coins minted for collection rather than general circulation. These coins typically receive grades from MS60 to MS70.
3.2.1 Circulated Coins
Circulated coins show signs of wear and tear, such as dents and bruises. A circulated 1967 quarter typically grades between 1 and 59. The hair detail on George Washington’s portrait is usually the first area to show wear.
3.2.2 Uncirculated Coins
Uncirculated coins retain their original luster and appear almost brand new, grading between 60 and 70. These coins are designated with the acronym MS, representing Mint State. Even a coin that has been in circulation can be graded as uncirculated if it retains its Mint State condition, showing no signs of wear, stains, or other imperfections.
4. Metal Composition, Face Value, and Special Strikes
4.1 The Impact of Metal Composition on Value
The 1967 Washington Quarter, made of a copper-nickel clad, is primarily valued for its numismatic significance. The switch from silver to copper core reduces its intrinsic metal value. Precious metal coins, conversely, are primarily valued based on the market price of the metal they contain, plus a premium for manufacturing costs.
Because 1967 Washington Quarters are not made of silver, their value is primarily driven by their historical and collectible appeal rather than their metal content.
4.2 Face Value vs. Numismatic Value
The face value of a Washington Quarter is 25 cents. However, its numismatic value can far exceed this amount, particularly for coins with historical significance or collectible appeal. While American Silver Eagles, for example, are priced above their spot price due to design, polishing, and backing by the U.S. Mint, the 1967 Washington Quarter’s value is derived from its historical context and collectibility.
4.3 The Enigmatic 1967 SMS (Special Strike) Quarters
The 1967 SMS (Special Mint Set) quarters represent a unique category within the Washington Quarter series. These coins feature a proof-like finish, distinguishing them from regular strike quarters. A CAMEO variant can fetch around $22 if graded SP-65, and $4,500 in higher grades. A DCAMEO (deep cameo) can be worth around $135 in MS65, and even $5,750 in MS68.
In 2016, a specimen was auctioned for $4,700, setting a record price for this variety.
5. Price Chart and Notable Variations
5.1 Understanding the Price Dynamics of 1967 Quarters
To provide a clearer picture of the potential value, here’s a price chart outlining the estimated values of 1967 Washington Quarters based on their grade and type:
| 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 | PCGS |
5.2 Exploring Notable Variations and Errors
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.
6. Common Errors in 1967 Quarters
6.1 1967 Struck On Nickel Planchet Quarter Error
This error occurs when a Washington Quarter is struck on a nickel (5 cent) planchet. The resulting coin exhibits mismatched proportions, as the quarter planchet is larger. The designs will fade out of the borders when struck on a nickel planchet.
In 2013, one such coin was sold for $188 at Heritage Auctions.
6.2 Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not correctly positioned in the press. This results in the design being struck on only a portion of the coin rather than in the center.
While center strike errors are generally valued around $100, one particular coin was sold for $79.99 on eBay.
6.3 Double Die Obverse
A double die error occurs when a second design is stamped over the first, resulting in a shadow-like effect. These errors can sometimes be difficult to identify.
According to the PCGS price chart, double die obverse errors in 1967 quarters are worth between $45 and $450 in mint state.
7. Final Thoughts: Appreciating the Value of the 1967 Quarter
7.1 Recap of Key Factors Influencing Value
In this article, we explored the various elements that affect the value of the 1967 Washington Quarter. We discussed variations, errors, condition, rarity, demand, and metal composition. Understanding these factors is essential for accurately assessing the value of any coin.
7.2 The Broader Significance of Coin Valuation
Understanding the value of 1967 quarters is crucial not only for potential financial gain but also for the insights they offer into history, culture, and numismatics. Coin valuation enhances the experience of collectors and enthusiasts, whether approached as a hobby, investment, or learning opportunity.
For expert advice on coin valuation and numismatics, consult the specialists at HOW.EDU.VN. Our team of experienced PhDs is ready to provide detailed analyses and personalized consulting services.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
8.1 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. Collectors’ demand and rarity also play significant roles in determining the price. In 2017, a rare 1967 quarter in ungraded MS68 condition was sold for $8,813 at Heritage Auctions.
8.2 What is the error in the 1967 quarter?
The most well-known errors in the 1967 Washington quarters include the off-center strike error, valued around $100, and the double die variant, which can fetch up to $450 in uncirculated conditions.
8.3 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, featuring a Heavy Motto and conserved in Mint State (uncirculated), also composed of 90% silver, is valued at approximately $35,000.
8.4 What quarters in the 60s are worth money?
While all quarters from the 1960s have some numismatic value, those produced until 1964 contained 90% silver. These pre-1965 quarters hold both numismatic and intrinsic value due to their silver content.
8.5 Are 1776 to 1976 quarters worth anything?
1776-1976 quarters, known as Bi-centennial reverse quarters, are highly valued by collectors. Their commemorative design makes them relatively rare. In Mint State conditions, they can sell from $34 to as high as $4,350, particularly in high grades.
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