The 1964 Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $10,000 in rare high-grade mint state. Finding one of these in your pocket change is exciting, as it marks the very last year the United States Mint produced quarters with 90% silver content.

The History and Silver Content of the 1964 Washington Quarter

If you have found a 1964 Washington Quarter with no mint mark, you are holding a piece of American history. This specific year is legendary among coin collectors because it was the final year that the U.S. Mint used silver for circulating quarters. Starting in 1965, the composition changed to a copper-nickel clad mix. Because of the rising price of silver in the mid-1960s, many people hoarded these coins, which is why so many remain in relatively good condition today.

The “No Mint Mark” designation simply means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, the Philadelphia facility did not use a mint mark on quarters. If you are unsure whether your coin is a 1964 or a later clad version, you can quickly check using a top coin identifier app which can help you distinguish between silver and base metal strikes.

For the everyday person, the most important thing to know is that every 1964 quarter is made of 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means the coin will always be worth at least its “melt value.” Even if the coin is scratched, bent, or heavily worn, its silver content ensures it is worth significantly more than its twenty-five-cent face value. To get a precise reading on your specific coin, many hobbyists use the CoinHix app to track daily silver fluctuations and how they affect coin prices.

Grading and Condition Impacts the 1964 Quarter Value

While all 1964 quarters have silver value, the real money lies in the “Mint State” (MS) grades. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that has been jingling around in a jar for decades is likely in “Circulated” condition. These are typically worth their silver weight plus a small premium. However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came off the press—with a sharp strike and original luster—it could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Collectors look for “eye appeal,” which refers to how the light reflects off the silver surface. Coins that have survived without scratches or “bag marks” are highly sought after. You can find detailed 1964 quarter price data for mint state grades to see how a small jump in grade from MS65 to MS67 can result in a price increase of thousands of dollars.

If you aren’t sure how to grade your coin, the CoinHix app provides visual guides to help you compare your quarter against professional standards. High-grade 1964 quarters from Philadelphia are more common than other years because so many were saved, but finding a “Perfect 67” or “68” is still a rare event that attracts big bidders at auctions.

1964 Washington Quarter Value Guide Table

The values listed below are estimates based on recent auction appearances and retail market trends. Please remember that the “Raw/Circulated” value will fluctuate based on the current spot price of silver.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated (G-4 to AU-58)	$5.00 – $8.00
Uncirculated (MS-60)	$10.00 – $15.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS-65)	$30.00 – $50.00
Superb Gem (MS-67)	$500.00 – $1,200.00
Auction Record (MS-68)	$10,000+

Rare Varieties and Errors to Look For

Beyond the standard silver value, some 1964 quarters have unique characteristics that make them much more valuable to specialists. The most famous of these is the “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR). If you look closely at the back of the coin—specifically the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “QUARTER DOLLAR”—you might see a faint doubling of the letters. These error coins can sell for $100 to $500 even in modest condition.

Another interesting variation is the “Type B” Reverse. In 1964, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally used some proof-style dies to strike regular business-strike quarters. You can identify a Type B Reverse by looking at the space between the “E” and the “S” in the word “STATES.” On a normal 1964 quarter, they are very close together; on a Type B, they are noticeably further apart.

To accurately identify these nuances, it is helpful to look up current 1964 quarter value information and error guides. Many collectors use high-magnification lenses or the digital zoom features in the CoinHix app to spot these tiny details that mean the difference between a $5 coin and a $500 coin.

Where to Sell Your 1964 Silver Quarter

If you’ve determined that your quarter is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the most convenient, but keep in mind they need to make a profit and will usually offer you a percentage of the retail value. For standard circulated 1964 quarters, a local shop or a precious metals dealer is often the best bet to get cash quickly based on the silver melt value.

For rare, high-grade coins worth hundreds of dollars, consider professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, and then selling through an auction house. Sites like eBay are also popular, but you should be wary of fees and shipping costs. Always research the current market trends before accepting an offer. Knowing the real-time value of your silver holdings through an app can prevent you from selling your treasures for too little.

FAQ

Q: Why doesn’t my 1964 quarter have a mint mark?

A: In 1964, the Philadelphia Mint did not use mint marks on quarters. If your coin has no letter near the eagle’s tail on the reverse, it was simply made in Philadelphia. Quarters from the Denver Mint will have a small “D” in that spot.

Q: Is every 1964 quarter made of silver?

A: Yes, all 1964 Washington Quarters issued for circulation by the U.S. Mint are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The transition to non-precious metals did not happen until 1965.

Q: How can I tell the difference between a silver and a clad quarter quickly?

A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. A 1964 silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge. A newer clad quarter will show a distinct orange/copper stripe along the edge.

Q: Is it worth getting a 1964 quarter graded?

A: Only if the coin appears to be in “near perfect” condition with no visible scratches or wear. Most 1964 quarters are worth their weight in silver, which is currently around $5 to $6, and the cost of professional grading (usually $30-$50) would exceed the coin’s value.