A 1965 Quarter is a relatively common coin, given its large mintage quantity. However, rarity is not the only factor that determines the 1965 quarter value– it significantly depends on other factors like the condition of the quarter, signs of wear and tear, and other unique errors.
Depending on these factors, the value of a 1965 quarter can range anywhere from $0.30 to nearly $6000! That is why you must know the nitty gritty before you purchase a 1965 quarter.
So, whether you are a numismatist looking to add a 1965 quarter to your collection or a beginner trying to learn more about this coin– you are at the right place.
In this guide, we have discussed all essential information about the 1965 quarter, including its value, varieties, history, and other details. Let’s get right to it!
1965 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 No Mint Mark Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $5836 |
*The 1965 quarter coin was the only variant to be minted in the year.
1965 Quarter Value
Details
The 1965 quarter is not the rarest of coins, but it is certainly one of the most remarkable quarters in U.S. coin history.
The 1965 quarter was a widely circulated one. The total production quantity for these coins was 1,819,717,540. However, no proof coins were issued, so finding a 1965 quarter in mint condition is exceptionally rare.
John Flanagan designed the 1965 quarter, and it was minted only at the Philadelphia Mint without mint marks. The coin has a diameter of 24.3 mm and weighs 5.67 grams.
Furthermore, it has a metal composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, i.e., the 1965 quarter is a product of two different colored metals bonded together. This is known as clad composition, and it was a new feature in 1965.
History
The 1965 quarter is of special interest to numismatists due to its interesting and unique history. In 1964-65, the U.S. Mint underwent a transition year in which it transitioned from silver quarters to copper-nickel-clad coins.
The reason behind this transition was the coin shortage towards the end of 1964, which caused chaos in commerce throughout the country. The second reason was the huge price increase in silver during 1963-64.
Due to the price increase, Kennedy half-dollars and Roosevelt dimes became more expensive than their face value, and people began to hoard them. Ultimately, this caused further trouble as it contributed to the coin shortage.
To address this issue, Congress decided to reduce the regular production of U.S. coins by 10% in 1963, followed by another 5% decrease in 1964. The only exceptions to these reductions were dimes and quarters. Due to low production amounts, finding other coins in circulation became even more of a challenge.
Eventually, on the 23rd of July 1964, President Lyndon Johnson authorized the production of the clad coin. By definition, a clad coin has a pure metal core encased by an external layer of another metal. So, it is composed of two metals instead of one.
The clad coins were composed of a nickel and copper core and encased with an external layer made of 80% silver and 20% copper. Owing to the well-thought composition, the coin also gets a different hue than most coins.
The Treasury Department chose the clad coin’s composition keeping two factors in consideration: Wear and Tear and Striking. Needless to say, this composition made clad coins hard-wearing and easy to strike. Furthermore, it is easy to melt, too.
The outer layer (copper and nickel) is resilient, while the inner (pure copper) is highly conductive but gives the coin a good texture and beautiful appearance.
The 1965 Washington quarter was the very first of these clad coins. It was circulated in the summer of 1965. They were inexpensive in terms of production and just as good in appearance as pure silver coins. The public was satisfied and labeled it the key coin for commerce. The hoarding issue was now solved.
Design
The design for the 1965 quarter remained the same as the 1932 quarter, which featured George Washington’s profile. The quarter obverse features the year, George Washington’s profile, and the phrase, “In God We Trust.”
The reverse features an eagle, the country name, and the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” at the top followed by the words, “Quarter Dollar” at the bottom.
The outer layer of the 1965 Washington quarter dollar consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, making the coin’s outer shield very resilient.
One set of 1965 Quarters, generally known as the 1965 Special Mint Set Washington Quarters, was struck for collectors. Coins in this set never went into circulation, and most were preserved instead. These coins are usually in SP65 or SP68 condition, while the ones in cameo condition are much more scarce. The set of coins had a unique but beautiful Cameo appearance.
A regular clad 1965 Washington quarter is not of much value. Typically, it costs only as much as $0.30 because these quarters are not considered rare. For an uncirculated one, the price may increase to $0.40 and go up to $5000.
However, it is usually on the lower end. Most 1965 quarters that cost a fortune are the ones made of silver or the ones with error.
Based on rarity and condition, some coins have even been sold at $7000. 1965 Silver Quarter errors can cost up to $5000. Other coins with common errors can cost anywhere between $50 to $300.
According to PCGS, the auction record for a 1965 quarter of MS grade is $12,650.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation
1965 Quarter Grading
Since the 1965 quarters were widely circulated they have been subjected to damage over the years. Thus, finding a 1965 quarter in mint condition is very rare. The price varies accordingly, too.
Also, if your 1965 quarter is an error coin, it will typically cost significantly more than regular 1965 quarters. So, the value depends on the condition and the type (regular or error coins).
The current market rates also play a part. It is crucial to compare the sales of fellow collectors before purchasing. We recommend getting a professional involved if you suspect a 1965 quarter to have an error.
You can learn more about grading a 1965 quarter in this video:
1965 Quarter Errors
As mentioned above, the 1965 quarter coin was the first of its kind i.e., the clad coins. Therefore, many different errors occurred during the minting process. In recent years, many types of rare 1965 quarters with errors have been recorded.
You can also watch the video below to learn more about 1965 quarters with errors.
1. 1965 Quarter Wrong Metal Error
The Wrong Metal Error, also known as the Planchet Error, is one of the most famous and sought-after errors in the 1965 quarter. A 1965 quarter with the wrong metal error is one that was struck on 90% silver planchets. The error occurred because the U.S. Mint was transitioning away from striking on 90% silver planchets.
Planchets are blank metal discs prepared to strike into coins and are made of a single metal. If a planchet is not removed before the coining process begins, the coin mintage will then have a certain degree of foreign metals. Consequently, the color and size of the coin may get affected.
So, we can assume that some planchets were not removed, and this resulted in a 1965 Quarter Wrong Metal Error.
To determine the value of your 1965 quarter, weigh it. If it is made of silver, it is a 1965 Quarter Wrong Metal Error coin and will weigh 6.25 grams.
Another way is to look closely at the edges using a magnifying glass. If the edges are reddish-orange, it is a clad coin. However, if the reeded edges show no sign of copper, it is composed of 100% silver.
In the rare case that you identify your quarter as a silver error, we highly advise getting it inspected professionally by a coin dealer. Then, your next step should be to get the coin certified and graded by a credible agency. You can go for NGC, PCGS, or ICG.
2. 1965 Quarter Off-Center Error
Next on the list is the 1965 Quarter Off-Center Error, which occurs when the die is not fixed in place.
Normally, in the minting process, dies are fixed in place before striking the coin. If not fixed, the image on the coin gets displaced. The displacement can be subtle or drastic, with the latter being the most expensive.
The value also depends on how much metal was displaced with respect to the missing portion of the coin, and how much surface area was lost to it.
Off-Center quarters are especially rare because it doesn’t take long before the dies are fixed. As a result, only a small amount of coins get affected. The amount that ends up in circulation is even smaller.
3. 1965 Quarter Double Die Error
In almost every coin type, you will find a double die error. These errors occur when the die strikes the planchet more than once. Since the second strike is misaligned, the resultant design has overlapping lines.
If you look closely at the lettering and see double letters, it is a double die error quarter. In 1965, a lot of coins had this error.
4. 1965 Quarter Struck On Dime Planchet Error
The Struck On Dime Planchet error means that a blank dime planchet somehow got into the machine, and a 1965 quarter was struck on it. In this case, the quarter die covers more surface area than the size of the planchet, so a large chunk of the design will be missing.
The worth of a 1965 quarter struck on 10 C on average is $4500. However, it can be even higher at auctions.
5. 1965 Quarter Struck On Nickel Planchet Error
As the name of this error suggests, it occurred because a nickel planchet somehow made its way into the machine, and the 1965 quarter was struck on it.
Generally, a 1965 Quarter Struck On Nickel Planchet Error costs a lot of dollars. But if the condition is well-preserved, you can expect higher values in the open market.
1965 Quarter FAQs
Why is the 1965 quarter so rare?
The usual clad 1965 Quarters are not rare, but Silver 1965 quarters are rare because these are error coins.
The period between 1964-65 is known as the transitional period in the U.S. Mint History because, during this time, the composition of coins transitioned from 100% silver to clad composition.
The 1965 quarters, which are composed of 100% silver, classify as error coins– they are rare and equally expensive.
Are there any valuable quarters after 1965?
Yes, there are valuable quarters after 1965. These high-priced quarters include proof coins, deep cameos, regular strike coins of exceptional grades, etc. An example is the 1966 Washington Quarter.
One of its kind graded MS67 DCAM was sold at $3,738 during an auction. In the same manner, a 1967 SMS Quarter SP68 DCAM was sold at over $4000 during an auction. You can find more valuable quarters if they are in pristine condition or have a deformity.
Is a 1965 quarter 90% silver?
No, a 1965 quarter is not ninety percent silver. The U.S. Mint officially transitioned from 90% pure silver coins to clad coins in the year 1965 quarters were minted. A clad coin is made from a copper-nickel alloy.
So, please don’t mistake the shiny appearance of a 1965 quarter as silver. It is not made of silver but 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.