The value of a 1965 US quarter (25 cent coin) depends significantly on its condition and whether it has any rare errors.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: Most circulated 1965 quarters are worth only their face value (25 cents). Uncirculated examples in higher grades (like those graded MS65 or higher) can be worth much more, ranging from a few dollars to thousands. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) use a grading scale from 1 to 70 (the Sheldon scale) to assess a coin’s condition, with higher numbers indicating better condition and higher value.
- Errors: Certain minting errors can significantly increase the value of a 1965 quarter.
– Silver Planchet Errors: These are highly sought after. Due to a transition in coin composition, some 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover 1964 silver planchets. These can be identified by their weight (6.25 grams compared to 5.67 grams for clad coins) and solid silver edge (no visible copper core stripe). These error coins can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on their condition. For example, a 1965 silver quarter graded MS 62 by PCGS sold for $16,800 in 2020.
– Doubled Die Errors: Doubling of the coin’s design, especially in the lettering or date, can make the coin more valuable. For the 1965 quarter, such errors can be seen in inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse.
– Other Errors: Other errors like off-center strikes (misaligned design), broad strikes (coin struck without the retaining collar), and struck-through errors (foreign objects interfering during minting) can also increase the value.
Examples of values
- Circulated: A 1965 quarter in average, circulated condition is generally worth its face value, 25 cents.
- Uncirculated (No Mint Mark): According to the NGC Price Guide (August 2025), a 1965 quarter in circulated condition is worth between $0.30 and $0.85. However, in pristine uncirculated condition, it can sell for as much as $5250.
- Special Mint Sets (SMS): The US Mint released special mint sets in 1965 for collectors, which may have a higher finish and therefore be more valuable. A 1965 SMS quarter graded SP67 is valued at $32.
- Silver Planchet Errors: A 1965 silver quarter graded AU58 sold for $4,687. In 2022, a 1965 quarter graded XF45 and mistakenly struck on a silver planchet sold at auction for $9,300.
- Double Tail Error: These are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors, with two examples selling for $41,000 and $80,000.
In summary, while most 1965 quarters are not worth more than their face value, some rare examples, particularly those with minting errors like being struck on a silver planchet or having a double tail, can be highly valuable to collectors. It is recommended to consult a professional coin grader for accurate valuation and authentication if you believe you have a valuable 1965 quarter.
How much is a 1965 25 cent coin worth today?
The higher a coin’s grade, the higher its value is. The coin with the highest grade (MS 70) has no post-production imperfections at all. These days, 1965 quarters in circulated conditions are only worth up to $0.85. However, a mint 1965 quarter can be worth as much as $5,250.
How much is 25 cents in 1965 worth today?
From my experience, $0.25 in 1965 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $2.55 today, an increase of $2.30 over 60 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 3.95% per year between 1965 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 920.52%.
How do I tell if my 1965 quarter is worth anything?
Standard Circulation Coin: A typical 1965 quarter, made of a copper-nickel alloy, is worth about its face value of 25 cents if it’s in average condition. However, in uncirculated condition, it can be worth around $1 to $2. Silver Coin: It’s important to note that quarters minted in 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver.