The 1966 Washington Quarter holds a special place in American numismatics. Despite being minted in large quantities, certain variants, errors, and rare grades make this coin desirable among collectors. This guide explores its value, key errors, and tips for identifying rare finds.
History of the 1966 Washington Quarter
The 1966 Washington Quarter was minted during a period of change in U.S. coinage. In 1965, the U.S. Mint ceased using silver in most circulating coins, replacing it with a copper-nickel clad composition.
The 1966 quarter lacks a mint mark, as the U.S. Mint temporarily suspended mint marks from 1965-1967 to discourage hoarding. Over 821 million of these quarters were produced, making it a common find in circulation.
Value of the 1966 Washington Quarter
The value of a 1966 quarter varies significantly based on its condition (grade) and rarity. Circulated coins typically have little more than face value, but uncirculated coins or those with rare errors can be worth much more.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.30 – $0.85 |
| MS-60 | $1.50 |
| MS-63 | $5 – $6 |
| MS-65 | $15 |
| MS-67 | $250 – $1,380 |
| MS-68 | Up to $21,000 |
In auctions, the highest recorded sale of a 1966 Washington Quarter was an MS-68+ grade, which fetched $21,000 in May 2023.
Special Mint Set (SMS) Quarters
1966 Special Mint Set (SMS) quarters, especially those with a cameo (CAM) or deep cameo (DCAM) finish, are highly valued. These coins have a unique contrast between frosted designs and mirrored backgrounds. SMS coins can range from $2.50 to over $2,400 depending on their grade and quality.
| SMS Grade | CAM Value | DCAM Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-64 | $35 – $40 | / |
| MS-66 | $75 – $85 | $600 |
| MS-68 | $600 | $2,400 |
1966 Washington Quarter Errors
One of the most exciting aspects of coin collecting is finding error coins, and the 1966 Washington Quarter is no exception. Here are some key errors to watch for:
1. Double Die Errors
Double die errors occur when a coin is struck with misaligned dies, causing doubled elements on the design, such as the letters in “LIBERTY” or the date. These coins are highly sought after, with some fetching hundreds of dollars.
2. Off-Center Errors
Off-center errors happen when the coin is not properly aligned during the strike, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off. Depending on the degree of misalignment, these coins can be worth significantly more than face value.
3. Struck-Through Errors
Struck-through errors are caused by foreign materials, such as grease or dust, that interfere with the minting process. These errors create unique markings or missing details, which can make these quarters especially valuable to collectors.
How to Identify Rare 1966 Quarters
- Condition and Grading: The value of a 1966 Washington Quarter is heavily influenced by its condition. Higher grades (MS-65 or better) increase the coin’s desirability. Coins should be evaluated by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for an accurate assessment.
- Special Mint Set Quarters: If you come across a 1966 SMS quarter with cameo (CAM) or deep cameo (DCAM) finishes, these are especially valuable and worth grading.
- Error Coins: Watch for double die, off-center, or struck-through errors, which increase the coin’s worth. Weighing the coin can also help you identify transitional errors, such as a potential silver quarter, though no such 1966 errors have been confirmed yet.
Conclusion
The 1966 Washington Quarter is a fascinating piece of American coinage that straddles the transition from silver to clad coins. While circulated examples may not be worth much more than face value, high-grade coins and those with unique errors or from Special Mint Sets can be extremely valuable.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1966 Washington Quarter offers plenty of opportunities to discover rare finds and intriguing errors.
FAQs
1. What makes a 1966 Washington Quarter valuable?
The value depends on the coin’s condition, errors, and whether it is an SMS coin. Higher-grade coins or those with errors can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars
2. What errors should I look for in a 1966 Washington Quarter?
Look for double die errors, off-center strikes, and struck-through errors, which increase the value of the coin
3. What is the most expensive 1966 Washington Quarter ever sold?
The highest price paid for a 1966 Washington Quarter was $21,000 for an MS-68+ graded specimen sold in 2023
4. How do I grade my 1966 Washington Quarter?
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC evaluate the coin’s strike, luster, and any imperfections. A high-grade coin can command a higher price
5. What is a Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter?
SMS quarters were made between 1965-1967 as collector’s items, with a higher quality strike than circulating coins but lower than proof coins. SMS quarters with cameo or deep cameo finishes are particularly valuable.
References
- The Fun Times Guide: How Much is a 1966 Quarter Worth? (2024)
- Jade Rare Coin: 1966 Washington Quarter Value and History (2023)
- Coin Folly: 1966 Washington Quarter Error Coins and Their Values (2024)
