How to Determine the Value of a 1965 Quarter
When considering whether a 1965 quarter is worth anything, several factors come into play. This guide will walk you through the process of evaluating the value of your 1965 quarter, from identifying key characteristics to consulting with experts and researching online.
Check the Mint Mark
The first step in determining the value of a 1965 quarter is to check for a mint mark, which is located on the reverse side of the coin, just above the letter M. The absence of a mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. If you observe a D mint mark, it was struck at the Denver Mint; a P mint mark indicates the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Identify the Type of Quarter
The 1965 quarter is a standard clad quarter, meaning it is made of copper and nickel rather than silver. The coin has no silver content, making it less valuable compared to earlier quarters from 1964 and earlier, which contained 90% silver. Therefore, if you have a 1964 quarter or earlier, it is more valuable due to its silver content.
Assess the Condition
The condition of the coin heavily influences its value. In numismatic terms, coins are graded on a scale from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS), with Mint State coins being the most valuable. Here’s a breakdown of the grading system:
Circulated: Coins in this grade show significant wear and tear but are still recognizable. The value is minimal as the coin shows signs of use. Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): Coins in this grade have no signs of wear and maintain their original luster. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin becomes, with MS-70 being the highest grade.For a 1965 quarter, an MS-60 to MS-63 grade could bring a few dollars, while an MS-67 or higher grade could fetch a much higher price. Professional numismatists and coin dealers are recommended for appraising such coins.
Consult Price Guides
To get a more accurate estimate of your 1965 quarter's value, consult price guides such as Reference for United States Coins (commonly known as the Red Book) or reputable online resources like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Check for Errors
Some coins, particularly those stamped with minting errors, may have increased value. Common errors for the 1965 quarter include double strikes and off-center strikes. These errors can be recognized through close inspection, and if you suspect any errors, consulting with a professional dealing in rare coins is advisable.
Common Production Facts
In general, a standard 1965 quarter in average condition is worth its face value of 25 cents. However, coins in uncirculated condition may fetch a few dollars. If you have any doubts or suspect your quarter might be a rarer variety, a professional appraisal is highly recommended.
Additional Insights
It is important to note that the 1965 quarter, while common, does not typically carry significant monetary value unless rare conditions, errors, or minting variations are present. However, there have been reports of a few 1965 Washington quarters being accidentally struck in 90% silver instead of the standard clad composition. These silver coins could be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The edge of such a coin should show a silvery-white color, in contrast to the copper-nickel brownish-red stripe of a standard clad coin. The silver coin will also weigh about 10 percent more, at 6.25 grams compared to the standard 5.67 grams.
Happy hunting!
**Key Takeaway:**
Verify the mint mark, consider the type of coin, assess the condition, and check for errors. If you believe your 1965 quarter is rare, take it to a professional appraiser for a thorough evaluation.