Rare 1964 Quarter Variations That Could Make Your Collection More Valuable

The 1964 Washington Quarter holds a special place in numismatic history as the last U.S. quarter minted with 90% silver. While most 1964 quarters are valued for their silver content, certain rare varieties and errors have transformed some of these coins into highly sought-after collectibles. If you have one of these coins in your possession, it might be worth much more than just 25 cents!

For official information on coin values, visit Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

Why Is the 1964 Quarter Special?

The 1964 quarter was the last year the U.S. Mint used 90% silver before transitioning to copper-nickel clad coins in 1965. Due to its silver content, every 1964 quarter has intrinsic value based on the current price of silver.

As of February 2025, the melt value of a 1964 silver quarter is around $5.75, based on silver prices. However, certain rare varieties and mint errors have sold for thousands at auctions, making this quarter a prized collector’s item.

Rare and Valuable 1964 Quarter Varieties

While many 1964 quarters are only worth their silver value, a few key variations have significantly higher prices. Here are the most valuable 1964 quarters to look for:

1. 1964-D “Type C” Reverse Quarter – Up to $2,350

• What It Is: Some Denver Mint (“D”) quarters have a reverse (tails side) design intended for 1965 quarters, known as the “Type C” reverse.
• How to Identify: Look at “STATES OF AMERICA” on the back – the letters “E” and “S” have a wider gap, and the leaves on the wreath nearly touch “A” in DOLLAR.
• Record Sale: An MS66 example of this variety sold for $2,350 in 2014.

2. 1964-D Overstruck Mintmark (D Over D Error) – Up to $1,000

• What It Is: Some 1964-D quarters show a “D” mintmark that was struck twice, causing a “D over D” doubling effect.
• How to Identify: Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the “D” mintmark. If there are two “D” shapes overlapping, you have this error.
• Record Sale: A high-grade example sold for $1,000+.

3. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Quarter – Up to $38,400

• What It Is: A very limited number of 1964 quarters were minted in a Special Mint Set (SMS), which has sharper details and a satin-like finish.
• How to Identify: These coins have a matte appearance with strong strike details, but they are not standard proof coins.
• Record Sale: A 1964 SMS quarter graded SP68 sold for $38,400 at a Stack’s Bowers auction.

4. 1964 Quarter With Doubled Die Obverse – Up to $3,000

• What It Is: Some 1964 quarters were struck with a doubled die, meaning the lettering or design appears slightly duplicated.
• How to Identify: Look for doubling in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or the date “1964”.
• Record Sale: A high-grade doubled die obverse quarter sold for $3,000.

How to Determine If Your 1964 Quarter Is Valuable

If you think you have a valuable 1964 quarter, follow these steps:

• Check the Date and Mintmark – Look for “D” (Denver Mint) below the eagle on the reverse. Coins from Philadelphia do not have a mintmark.
• Examine the Coin’s Condition – Higher grades (MS65 or higher) are worth more.
• Look for Errors and Rare Varieties – Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling, over-mintmarks, or design differences.
• Weigh Your Coin – A genuine 1964 silver quarter should weigh 6.25 grams. If it’s significantly different, it could be an error coin.
• Get Professional Grading – If you believe you have a rare variety, submit your coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication.

Where to Sell a Rare 1964 Quarter

If you confirm that you have a valuable 1964 quarter, here are some options for selling it:

• Auction Houses – Reputable coin auctions like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers offer the best prices for rare coins.
• Online Marketplaces – eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy allow you to sell directly to buyers. Ensure proper authentication before listing.
• Coin Shops & Dealers – Local coin shops or professional dealers can appraise and buy rare quarters.
• Coin Shows & Collectors’ Groups – Attending a numismatic convention could connect you with serious buyers.

Final Thoughts: A 1964 Quarter Could Be Worth More Than You Think!

Most 1964 quarters are worth around $5.75 due to their silver content, but rare varieties can fetch thousands. If you have a 1964 quarter, check for rare errors, SMS versions, and high-grade conditions – you might just have a hidden numismatic treasure!

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.