The 1968-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $1,500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While these coins were not released for general circulation, finding one in an old collection might mean you are holding a valuable piece of United States Mint history.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1 – $3
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15 – $25
PR 70 (Deep Cameo)	$500 – $2,500+

History and Significance of the 1968-S Washington Quarter

The year 1968 marked a significant turning point for the United States Mint and coin collectors alike. After three years of producing “Special Mint Sets” without mint marks to discourage hoarding, the Mint finally returned the “S” mint mark to San Francisco. For the 1968-S Washington Quarter, this meant the coin was produced exclusively as a Proof strike for collectors.

If you have stumbled upon a shiny quarter with a small “S” next to the eagle’s tail on the reverse, you aren’t looking at a common pocket change item. These were sold originally in plastic-encased Proof Sets. If you aren’t sure how to categorize your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard circulation strike from Philadelphia or Denver and this special San Francisco proof.

Interestingly, while millions of these were minted, their value today depends entirely on how well they have been preserved. Because they were never meant to be spent in stores, most survived in decent shape. However, the difference between a common $1 coin and a high-value rarity lies in the microscopic details of the strike. If you want to check your own collection, the CoinKnow app provides high-resolution comparisons to help you spot these differences instantly.

Determining the 1968-S Washington Quarter Proof Value

When assessing the market value of your coin, you must understand that “Proof” is a manufacturing process, not just a condition. These coins were struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like background and frosted details. Most 1968-S quarters today are found in their original government packaging, which keeps them in the PR 63 to PR 67 range.

In these standard grades, the price remains modest because the supply is quite high. Most collectors can easily find a beautiful specimen for just a few dollars. However, as you move up the grading scale toward perfection, the price climbs steeply. You can find more specific data on the 1968-S Washington Quarter auction records to see how much collectors are currently paying for top-tier grades.

Grade Designation	Price Range
Proof (PR) 67	$5 – $10
Proof (PR) 68	$12 – $18
Proof (PR) 69	$25 – $40
Proof (PR) 70	$500+

Identifying Cameo and Deep Cameo Contrasts

For the 1968-S Washington Quarter, the “Cameo” (CAM) and “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations are the holy grail for collectors. These terms describe the visual contrast between the shiny, mirror-like field of the coin and the frosted, white appearance of Washington’s portrait. In 1968, the Mint’s technology wasn’t as consistent as it is today, making Deep Cameo specimens extremely rare.

A standard proof will look shiny all over. A Cameo coin will show some frosting on the design. A Deep Cameo coin looks almost like a black-and-white photograph, with intense white frosting on the bust and a deep, dark reflection on the flat surfaces. These are the coins that command the highest premiums at major coin auctions.

If you suspect your coin has this intense frosting, it is worth consulting a 1968 Washington Quarter price chart to see the massive jump in value for DCAM ratings. Using the CoinKnow app’s visual recognition software can also help you determine if the contrast on your coin is strong enough to warrant professional grading from companies like PCGS or NGC.

1968-S Washington Quarter Errors and Varieties

While the San Francisco Mint is known for high quality, errors still occurred. Collecting errors is a popular niche, and a 1968-S with a verified mint error can be worth significantly more than a standard proof. One of the most common things to look for is a “Double Die,” though major doubled dies are not widely recognized for this specific date and mint.

Other errors to watch for include “Off-Center Strikes” or “Planchet Errors,” where the coin was struck on the wrong metal or a defective blank. Because these coins were made for collectors, the quality control was higher, making any escaped error extremely valuable. If you find a coin that looks “wrong”—perhaps the image is shifted to one side—you should have it appraised immediately.

Error Type	Potential Value
Minor Off-Center	$20 – $50
Struck on Wrong Planchet	$500 – $2,000
Major Die Break	$50+

How to Store and Protect Your 1968-S Quarter

If you find a 1968-S quarter in a collection, the way you handle it will directly impact its future value. Proof coins are extremely sensitive; even the oils from your skin can leave permanent fingerprints on the mirror-like surfaces. These fingerprints can eventually “eat” into the metal, causing irreversible damage that lowers the grade from a PR 69 down to a PR 60 or Pru-Details.

Always handle your coins by the edges, or better yet, wear lint-free cotton gloves. If the coin is already in a plastic “slab” or a government proof set lens, leave it there. Breaking it out of the original packaging often does more harm than good unless you are sending it for professional grading.

To keep track of your growing collection and ensure you’re monitoring the current market trends, CoinKnow is an excellent tool for organizing your inventory. It allows you to log the condition of each coin and watch as the market for 1968-S Quarters fluctuates over time. Proper storage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is the best way to ensure your investment keeps its luster for decades to come.

Final Thoughts on the 1968-S Washington Quarter

The 1968-S Washington Quarter represents a transition back to traditional minting practices in the US. While it may not be as expensive as a rare silver quarter from the 1930s, its beauty and the potential for a “Deep Cameo” rarity make it a favorite for many hobbyists. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who just found a shiny coin in a box of old things, understanding the nuances of the “S” mint mark is key.

Remember to check for that deep frosting and preserved surfaces. If you have a specimen that looks perfect to the naked eye, it may be worth the investment to have it professionally certified. A simple quarter from 1968 might just be the highlight of your collection!

FAQ

Q: Is the 1968-S Washington Quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1968-S Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. The US Mint stopped using 90% silver for quarters in 1964. While it looks shiny like silver because of the proof finish, it consists of a pure copper core sandwiched between layers of cupronickel.

Q: How can I tell if my 1968-S Quarter is a “Deep Cameo”?

A: A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin will have a very stark contrast. The “fields” (flat background) will look like a dark mirror, while the “devices” (Washington’s head and the eagle) will look snowy white and matte. If the frosting is light or patchy, it is likely just a standard proof or a regular Cameo.

Q: Why is my 1968-S Quarter worth less than $1?

A: If the coin has been removed from its protective set and spent as change, it will have scratches and wear. Collectors generally only want 1968-S quarters in pristine “Proof” condition. Once a proof coin is circulated, it loses most of its premium value and is usually worth only its 25-cent face value.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968-S Quarter?

A: On the 1968-S Washington Quarter, the “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail and just above the date. This was the first year the mint mark was moved to the front of the quarter.