Most Washington quarters look completely ordinary.

But collectors know that certain examples — hiding quietly in everyday change — have sold for $5,000, $10,000, even over $21,000 at auction.

The surprising truth?

The difference between a face-value quarter and a five-figure collectible is often just condition, strike quality, and preservation.

This guide reveals 5 Washington quarters worth checking immediately before you spend them.

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🥇 1. 1965 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) — Up to $12,650+

The 1965 Washington quarter marks a historic transition in U.S. coinage.

This was the first full year the United States Mint stopped using silver in quarters and switched to copper-nickel clad composition.

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🔎 Why This Coin Matters

During the 1960s coin shortage:

• Mint marks were temporarily removed
• Production was rushed
• Quality control was reduced

This created coins with:

• Weak strikes
• Flat details
• Poor luster

Finding a sharply struck, flawless example today is extremely difficult.

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💰 Verified Auction Value

• Elite certified example sold for $12,650+
• Another top specimen realized $11,400+
• Rare silver planchet errors sold for $5,400+

⚠️ Most circulated examples remain worth face value.

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🥈 2. 1966 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) — Up to $21,000+

The 1966 Washington quarter was also produced during emergency mint operations.

Because mint marks were removed, all coins appear identical.

But condition makes all the difference.

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🔍 What Collectors Look For

Key premium features include:

• Strong hair detail
• Clean surfaces
• Original mint luster
• Sharp rim definition

Most coins do not meet these standards.

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💎 Record Auction Results

• Record sale exceeded $21,000
• Other elite examples sold for $12,900+

This proves condition rarity drives value.

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🥉 3. 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark) — Up to $19,000+

The 1776–1976 Washington quarter celebrates America’s 200th anniversary.

It features the famous Colonial drummer reverse design.

Millions were produced — but few survived in flawless condition.

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🧭 Why High-Grade Examples Are Valuable

Most entered heavy circulation, resulting in:

• Scratches
• Weak strikes
• Contact marks

Perfect survivors are rare.

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💰 Auction Records

• Top example sold for $19,000+
• Other certified examples reached several thousand dollars

Condition makes the difference.

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🏅 4. 1967 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) — Up to $8,800+

The 1967 Washington quarter was struck during the same emergency period.

Quality control remained low due to high production demand.

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🔎 Why This Coin Is Special

Common flaws include:

• Weak eagle feather detail
• Flat portrait features
• Surface marks

High-grade examples are scarce.

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💰 Verified Value Range

• Top sale exceeded $8,812
• Other elite coins sold for $5,000+

Most coins remain face value unless in exceptional condition.

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🪙 5. 1985-P Washington Quarter — Up to $2,430+

The 1985‑P Washington quarter proves modern coins can also be valuable.

Billions were produced, but nearly all were heavily used.

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🔍 What Makes It Valuable

Collectors look for:

• Perfect mint luster
• Clean surfaces
• No visible marks
• Strong strike quality

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💰 Auction Value

• Top example sold for $2,430+
• Another elite coin realized $1,312+

Only the finest examples reach premium value.

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⚠️ Critical Warning: Never Clean These Coins

Cleaning instantly destroys collector value.

Avoid:

❌ Polishing
❌ Scrubbing
❌ Chemical cleaning

Always preserve original condition.

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🧠 The Collector’s Truth: Condition Creates Value

These quarters are not valuable simply because of their date.

They become valuable when they survive with:

✔ Exceptional preservation
✔ Strong strike quality
✔ Original mint surfaces
✔ Professional certification

This is why collectors carefully inspect every coin.

Your spare change may contain hidden value.

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📊 Quick Value Summary Table

Coin	Top Auction Value
1966 Quarter	$21,000+
Bicentennial Quarter	$19,000+
1965 Quarter	$12,650+
1967 Quarter	$8,800+
1985-P Quarter	$2,430+

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🔍 Preservation Secrets Every Collector Should Know

Before spending any Washington quarter:

• Check mint mark and date
• Inspect surface condition
• Look for strong luster
• Avoid cleaning
• Consider professional grading

Because one small detail can change everything.

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