The 1967 Washington Quarter is an important coin for collectors due to its historical significance and unique characteristics. In 1967, the United States Mint produced over 1.5 billion of these coins. Despite being relatively common today, certain versions of the 1967 Washington Quarter can still be quite valuable, especially those in mint condition or with special features. This guide will help you understand what makes this coin special, its design, and its current value in the market.
Overview of the 1967 Washington Quarter
The 1967 Washington Quarter is part of the series of quarters that feature George Washington on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The coin was made of a copper-nickel alloy instead of silver, a change that began in 1965 due to the rising cost of silver.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 1967 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents) |
| Mintmark | None (Philadelphia and Denver) |
| Mintage | 1,819,717,540 |
| Alloy | Copper-Nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer (Obverse) | John Flanagan |
| Designer (Reverse) | John Flanagan |
Identifying the 1967 Washington Quarter
The 1967 Washington Quarter is often mistaken for other quarters of the same era. There are a few key features that set it apart:
| Diagnostic Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Bust of George Washington, facing left with “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date “1967”. |
| Reverse Design | A heraldic eagle perched on a bundle of arrows and olive branches. |
| Edge | Reeded, with a copper-colored center and gray top and bottom edges. |
The 1967 Washington Quarter is often found in lower grades in circulation, but collectors look for examples in Mint State or better conditions. Coins in these higher grades are more valuable and sought after.
How Much Is the 1967 Washington Quarter Worth?
The value of the 1967 Washington Quarter can vary based on its condition and whether it is a regular coin or a special version (like those from Special Mint Sets). Here’s a summary of the value based on the coin’s grade:
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| MS68 | Excellent, almost perfect condition | Up to $8,156.25 (NGC MS69 sold in 2024) |
| MS67 | Slightly worn details | Around $80 to $100 |
| MS66 | Light wear, still in good shape | Around $10-$20 |
| Circulated | Worn, used in daily transactions | Less than $1 |
While Mint State examples are more valuable, the majority of circulated coins are not worth much, unless they have rare errors.
Special Mint Set Coins and Differences
In 1967, the U.S. Mint also produced Special Mint Set (SMS) coins, which are often confused with regular business strike coins. SMS coins have a shiny, mirror-like finish, while regular business strikes like the 1967 Washington Quarter have a frosty or satiny finish.
Collectors who are looking for higher-quality versions of this coin should pay attention to whether it’s a Special Mint Set coin or a regular business strike. Special Mint Set coins are rarer and can be worth more.
Design Details of the 1967 Washington Quarter
The design of the 1967 Washington Quarter remains largely unchanged since it was first introduced. The obverse features a bust of George Washington, based on a famous sculpture by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon. The reverse features a heraldic eagle, a symbol of strength and unity for the United States. Both designs were created by John Flanagan.
| Design Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse | Features George Washington’s bust with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” |
| Reverse | Features a heraldic eagle perched on arrows and olive branches |
| Edge | Reeded edge, with copper color in the center and gray edges |
Collecting the 1967 Washington Quarter
The 1967 Washington Quarter is a popular coin for collectors, especially those focused on more modern U.S. coinage. Although it has a high mintage, coins in Mint State or higher grades are rare and valuable. However, there have been some concerns about high-dollar transactions on websites like eBay where coins are advertised as rare or containing errors when, in fact, they do not meet these claims.
It’s important to verify a coin’s authenticity and condition before making a purchase, especially if you are looking for an investment piece. For those looking to collect, 1967 Washington Quarters are still a great entry point into the world of coin collecting due to their availability and relatively affordable prices.
Conclusion
The 1967 Washington Quarter is an interesting piece of American numismatic history. While most examples in circulation aren’t worth much, collectors who focus on Mint State coins or rare varieties will find valuable pieces. The high mintage of this coin and its distinctive design make it an excellent choice for starting or expanding a coin collection. Be sure to look for well-preserved examples, as these can be worth much more than a typical circulated quarter.
FAQ’s
How much is a 1967 Washington Quarter worth?
A 1967 Washington Quarter in mint condition (MS68) can be worth up to $8,000, but most circulated coins are worth only a few dollars.
What is the difference between a Special Mint Set and a regular 1967 Washington Quarter?
Special Mint Set coins have a shiny, mirror-like finish, while regular business strike coins have a frosty or satiny finish.
Is the 1967 Washington Quarter rare?
While over 1.5 billion 1967 Washington Quarters were minted, higher-grade versions (Mint State or better) are rare and more valuable to collectors.