How Сhanging the Сomposition Affects Value: 1965 Washington Quarter

You have what you think are exactly the same quarters in your hands, but what if it's not? Have you ever thought that a single mistake in production can cost a fortune in the current reality? 

Inexperienced numismatists often think that they have a clean and polished coin in front of them, and I don't understand why there is such a huge 1965 quarter worth on it, but in fact there is a token of a completely different metal.

The New Coin Rule of 1965

In the early 1960s, there were big problems with silver in the United States, which arose due to the fact that the price of the metal was rising

To solve this problem, the Coinage Act was passed on July 23, 1965, and this new rule stated that silver would no longer be used in dimes and quarters, but instead a new, cheaper metallic mixture of copper and nickel would be used. 

The coin consisted of 90% silver and 10% copper and consisted of three layers: the outer layer consisted of 75% copper and 25% nickel, covered the inner part made of pure copper, so that the total metal of the coin consisted mainly of copper (91.67%) and a small amount of nickel (8.33%).

From 1965 to 1967, the U.S. Mint decided not to put mint marks on any of the coins.

Coin's Body and Basic Facts

The main thing to know about the 1965 quarter’s value is how it looks different from the coins made before it.

The Normal 1965 Quarter

• Look: The front has the face of George Washington, the back has a large white-headed eagle

• Number Made: more than 1.3 billion

• Value When Used: 25 cents

Things That Change the Price of Normal Coins

For the normal copper-nickel quarters from 1965, the price only changes based on how new and well-kept the coin is, which is measured by a scale for coins that have never been used.

1. Used Condition: Coins that are in a used condition like G to AU are not worth much more than 25 cents.

2. New Condition: The price only goes up for coins that were never used and look perfect:

• MS-60 to MS-64: Might have small marks or a weak shine, and their price is usually from $1 to $5.

• MS-65: Must have a complete shine and very small problems; this is the smallest level that collectors want, and the price is $10 – $30.

• MS-66 and Higher: 1965 quarters in MS-66 are much harder to find because they were made quickly and moved without good protection, the MS-66 price can be from $100 to $300 or more.

• MS-67: These coins are almost perfect and very rare, and the price can be more than $1,000.

Short Conclusion for Normal Coins: If a normal 1965 quarter is going to be worth more than a few dollars, it must be MS-65 or better and checked by PCGS or NGC.

The Secret to High Value: The Very Rare Mistake 

The one thing that can make the value of a 1965 Washington quarter go from 25 cents to tens of thousands of dollars is the mistake of being made on a silver blank piece.

How the Mistake Happened

Since the U.S. Mint was still producing 1964 silver coins in 1965, there were many 90% of the silver blanks intended for minting in 1964 left in the vaults.

Due to confusion in the operation of the machines, several silver blanks accidentally got into machines that were already producing coins with the date "1965", so the 1965 quarters were created, made of 90% silver blanks.

How to Know if Your 1965 Quarter is Silver

This is a very important step because the mistake is worth so much money, so you must know for sure before you tell anyone about your find.

1. Weight: The normal layered coin from 1965 weighs 5.67 grams, the mistake silver coin from 1965 weighs 6.25 grams.

2. The Edge: The normal layered coin has a clear copper line on the side, but the silver coin has an all-silver-gray side with no copper line.

3. Sound: Silver coins make a special, long, high sound when they hit a hard place, but the layered coins sound dull.

Market Price of the 1965 Silver Mistake

• Value: 

• Low to middle condition (XF-40 to AU-58): $5,000 – $20,000

• New condition (MS-60 to MS-64): $20,000 – $50,000

• Very high condition (MS-65 and higher): $50,000 – $100,000 or more

IMPORTANT: If you think you have found a silver 1965 quarter, you must never try to clean it, because the coin must be sent right away to a grading company (PCGS or NGC) for them to check that it is real, since only their certificate can show its true value.

Other Possible Mistakes and Types

1. Doubled Die: The small doubling of the letters or design parts does happen, and if the doubling is clear and you can see it easily, the coin is worth from $50 to $500 depending.

2. Off-Center Strike: Coins that were hit far from the center like 10% or more are wanted, and the price depends on how far it is off the center and if the date can still be seen, with prices being from $50 to $200.

3. Struck Through: When something like a thread or small metal pieces gets between the die and the coin blank, their price is usually from $20 to $150.

General Advice for the Collector

• 99.9% of the 1965 coins: Are worth 25 cents, and to get a price over $10, the coin must be in MS-66 condition or better.

• The Very Rare Silver Mistake: Weighs 6.25 grams and is worth from $5,000 to more than $100,000.

Advice for the Treasure Hunter:

1. Look at the Weight: If your 1965 quarter feels heavier than others, you must check it closely

2. Do Not Clean: Cleaning will take away its value

3. Get a Certificate: Any 1965 coin that you think is worth more than $50 must be sent for professional checking (PCGS or NGC) so they can say it is real and tell you its condition.

It may seem confusing to you, how is it possible that nickel and copper coins can be silver? The answer is that in addition to looking at each coin separately, you should also delve into the history of their creation, namely the country's economy at that time.

Among the same series of coins, which may differ only by year, there are some subtleties that you should be aware of in order to better understand what your collection consists of.