Most 1965 quarter dollars are not particularly valuable and are worth their face value of 25 cents . This is because 1965 marked the year the U.S. Mint transitioned from producing quarters made of 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition.
However, some 1965 quarters can be quite valuable due to two main factors:
- Condition: Quarters in excellent, uncirculated condition can fetch a premium among collectors. For example, a 1965 quarter graded MS68 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) was valued at $16,500.
- Mint Errors: A small number of 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on leftover 90% silver planchets (blanks) from 1964. These “transitional error” coins are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.Other types of mint errors can also increase the value of a 1965 quarter, such as:
– Double Die Obverse (DDO): Where the front side (obverse) appears to be struck twice, showing doubling of some features like the lettering or the date.
– Off-Center Strike: When the coin’s design is not properly centered, resulting in part of the design being missing or appearing off-kilter.
– Broad Strike: When the coin is struck without the retaining collar, causing the metal to spread outward and appear wider and flatter than normal.
– Struck on Wrong Planchet: Coins struck on planchets intended for other denominations, like a penny.
These error coins can significantly increase a 1965 quarter’s value, ranging from around $10 for minor errors to thousands of dollars for significant and rare errors.
- Check the condition: Uncirculated coins with sharp details and no signs of wear are more valuable than circulated ones.
- Look for errors: Examine the coin closely for any signs of doubling, off-center striking, or other anomalies.
- Identify if it’s silver: If the coin is silver, it will weigh about 6.25 grams and have a solid silver edge with no visible copper core. A regular clad 1965 quarter weighs 5.67 grams and has a copper stripe visible on the edge. You can also try a magnet, as silver is not magnetic, while copper-nickel clad coins are [according to APMEX].
- Seek professional appraisal: If you suspect you have a valuable error or silver quarter, consider getting it appraised by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Important Note: Beware of counterfeit coins, especially for rare error varieties. Always verify the authenticity and condition of a 1965 quarter through reputable sources before investing or selling.
How can you tell if a 1965 quarter is rare?
Quarters you get with either a loop or a microscope. Because there’s a very rare DDO. That’s worth a lot of money. Let me show you the 1965 quarter that has the DDO.
How much is a quarter dollar from 1965 worth?
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.
Why is 1965 quarter so rare today?
Good point! Due to a small number of 1965 quarters being inadvertently struck in silver rather than copper-nickel, they are extremely rare. Due to their partial silver composition, these transitional error coins are worth more than their face value.