Many rare coins exist, but the 1966 Washington Quarter is a piece of artistic collectors’ history with unique features. It has become a central point for the collectors and investors who invest in rare coins. This coin’s specific qualities and remarkable features are some examples of its value in the market.
Exploring the 1966 Washington Quarter
The 1966 Washington Quarter is part of the Washington Quarters minted by the United States. The coin was minted during a transition period when the series of Washington Quarters was changing in composition from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad because of the greater demand for silver.
While this coin has no mint mark, the 1966 quarter is unique because it is among the last to have no mint mark. After all, a general shortage of coins persisted. Although the 1966 quarters are not made from silver, they represent this critical change in U.S. coinage and have some historical importance.
Mintage and Circulation
In the 1966 Washington Quarter, I realized a high mintage of over 821 million coins. The new high mintage was due to the U.S. Mint’s plan to try and help alleviate the mid-1960s coin shortage. Thus, the 1966 quarter is not rare and remains plentiful in active circulation today.
| Grade | Price | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-60 | $0.25 | MS-64 | $10 |
| MS-61 | $0.25 | MS-65 | $16 |
| MS-62 | $0.25 | MS-66 | $30 |
| MS-63 | $8 | MS-67 | $285 |
Despite the high production, these quarters were heavily circulated, so pristine examples will be a little more challenging to find. The coin could be more valuable from a numismatic standpoint. Still, it is one of the more popular coins people love to collect due mainly to its role in the changeover between silver and clad coinage.
Mint State Ratings Explained
- MS-60-62: Coins that are present in these grades show noticeable errors, imperfections, and wear, which makes them valuable for their face.
- MS-63: Coins of this grade have very few marks and some scratches but still show some errors and imperfections.
- MS-64: These grade coins are considered higher graders with minimal imperfections visible to the naked eye.
- MS-65: Coins of these grades are very well-struck and have sharp details with visible imperfections.
- MS-66: These grade coins are very high quality with exceptional detail and nearly visible flaws.
- MS-67: Extremely rare with fine quality and have no imperfections in their virtual appearance.
Notable Errors and Rarities
In the 1966 Washington Quarter coins, there are many errors and rarities, but some of them are discussed below:
- Clipped Planchet: Some 1966 quarters have parts missing because they were cut incorrectly. Larger missing pieces are more valuable.
- Die Cracks: Some 1966 quarters have cracks on the die, leaving raised lines on the coin. These can add value if they’re noticeable.
- Off-Center Strikes: A few 1966 quarters were stamped off-center, making the design misaligned. The more off-center, the more valuable the coin.
- Double-Die Errors: Some 1966 quarters have doubled letters or numbers. These are rare and can be worth more to collectors.
Auction Records and Finest Known Examples
The finest-known examples of the 1966 Washington Quarter are highly prized and have a unique interface. The auction of such coins also varies depending upon their Specie and occurrence. The MS-67 has reached the highest value in the auction, $285, for its extreme rarity and coin quality.
The information mentioned above for the 1966 Washington Quarter is essential and helpful for the citizens. Despite its high mintage, this coin still has distinct and unique errors and qualities, making it stand out from others. It will also help collectors and people planning to hunt this coin to achieve fortune with it.