The 1964 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare high-grade specimens. While millions were minted, their 90% silver content ensures they are always worth significantly more than their face value, especially in today’s precious metals market.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Worn) | $5.00 – $6.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $7.00 – $9.00 |
| Mint State (MS63-MS65) | $10.00 – $45.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $500.00 – $15,000+ |
Why the 1964 No Mint Mark Quarter is Special
If you’ve found a shiny quarter dated 1964 in your change, you’ve struck silver. This specific year represents a major turning point in American numismatic history. It was the very last year the United States Mint produced quarters for circulation using 90% silver and 10% copper. Starting in 1965, the Mint switched to “clad” compositions made of copper and nickel. Because of this, even the most damaged 1964 quarter is a “junk silver” treasure.
If your coin has no letter near the eagle’s tail on the back, it was minted in Philadelphia. During this era, Philadelphia did not use a mint mark. Identifying these coins quickly is easy if you use a top coin identifier app to confirm the details. Because billions were produced, they are common, but their intrinsic value is tied directly to the price of silver.
When silver prices rise, the value of your 1964 Washington Quarter rises with it. For many everyday Americans, these coins were tucked away in jars and piggy banks decades ago. Today, those same coins are a hedge against inflation. To get a better sense of where your coin sits on the rarity scale, you can check the latest 1964 quarter auction records and pricing data which shows that high-quality “no mint mark” versions are still highly sought after by collectors.
Understanding the Silver Value of 1964 Quarters
The most important thing to know about the 1964 Washington Quarter value no mint mark is its melt value. Each coin contains precisely 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that if the price of silver is $25 per ounce, your quarter is worth roughly $4.52 just for the metal alone. This provides a “floor” price; your coin will never be worth less than its silver content, regardless of how scratched or dirty it is.
Collectors distinguish between “bullion” coins and “numismatic” coins. Most 1964 quarters found in pocket change fall into the bullion category. However, if you find one that looks like it just came from the bank—with a frosty luster and no scratches—the value begins to climb. For those who aren’t sure if their coin is a common silver piece or a collector’s gem, the CoinKnow app can help you scan and identify subtle surface details that distinguish grades.
| Silver Price per Ounce | Melt Value of One 1964 Quarter |
|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.62 |
| $25.00 | $4.52 |
| $30.00 | $5.42 |
Determining the Grade and Condition
To find the true 1964 Washington Quarter value no mint mark, you must learn to “grade” your coin. Grading is the process of evaluating how much wear and tear the coin has suffered. A coin in “Good” condition will have a flat silhouette of George Washington, while an “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” coin will show fine details in his hair and the feathers of the eagle on the reverse.
Most 1964 quarters were heavily circulated, meaning they were used to buy groceries and newspapers for years. These are graded as G, VG, F, or VF. If you see most of Washington’s hair lines and the leaves on the wreath are distinct, you might have an “Extremely Fine” (XF) or “About Uncirculated” (AU) coin. For a detailed breakdown of how these grades affect the price, refer to this 1964 silver quarter value guide.
High-end collectors look for “Mint State” (MS) coins. An MS67 grade is extremely rare for a 1964 Philadelphia quarter because the dies used to strike them were often worn out, leading to “mushy” details. If you think you have a perfect specimen, using an app like CoinKnow can provide a preliminary estimate before you spend money on professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Rare 1964 Quarter Errors to Look For
While a standard 1964 quarter is common, certain “errors” can send the value into the thousands. Errors occur during the minting process when something goes wrong with the machinery. One of the most famous is the “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR). Look closely at the words “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” on the back. If the letters look doubled or have “shelves,” you could have a very valuable coin.
Another rare find is the 1964 quarter struck on a different metal blank. Because the mint was transitioning to clad coins, a few 1964-dated coins were accidentally struck on clad planchets intended for 1965. Conversely, some 1965 quarters were struck on 1964 silver planchets. These “transitional errors” are the “Holy Grail” for quarter hunters and often require expert authentication.
| Error Type | Description | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | Doubling visible in the lettering on the back. | $100 – $500 |
| Off-Center Strike | The design is not centered on the coin. | $50 – $250 |
| Die Break (Cud) | An extra lump of metal on the edge of the coin. | $20 – $100 |
The 1964 Special Strike (SMS) Mystery
One of the most elusive versions of the 1964 Washington Quarter is the “Special Mint Set” (SMS) strike. While the Mint didn’t officially produce SMS sets until 1965, a small number of 1964 coins were struck with a unique, satin-like finish and razor-sharp details. These were not intended for circulation and were likely prototype strikes.
A 1964 SMS quarter is incredibly rare. They lack the mirror-like finish of a Proof coin but have much better detail than a standard Philadelphia strike. If you find a 1964 quarter that looks remarkably sharp and has a smooth, non-reflective surface, don’t spend it! These coins have auctioned for over $5,000. Identifying an SMS strike requires a trained eye or a high-resolution scanning tool like CoinKnow to detect the specific surface textures.
How to Sell Your 1964 Washington Quarter
Once you’ve determined the 1964 Washington Quarter value no mint mark, you might want to sell it. You have several options depending on the coin’s value. For common circulated silver quarters, a local coin shop is often the best bet. They will usually pay a percentage of the “melt value.” While you won’t get the full market price, it is a fast and easy way to get cash for your silver.
If you have a high-grade or error coin, consider online auctions or specialized coin forums. Sites like eBay are great for selling coins in the $20-$100 range. For coins valued over $500, professional auction houses are recommended. Always remember to never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates micro-scratches that can destroy its collector value, potentially turning a $100 coin into a $5 silver melt piece.
FAQs
Q: How can I tell if my 1964 quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver 1964 quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge. If you see a brown copper stripe around the edge, it is a clad coin (though 1964 quarters should all be silver). You can also weigh it; a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1964 quarter?
A: On the 1964 Washington Quarter, the mint mark (if there is one) is located on the back (reverse), directly below the wreath that the eagle is sitting on. If there is no letter (D or S) in that spot, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1964 quarter with a “D” worth more than one with no mint mark?
A: Generally, no. Both the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) mints produced massive quantities of silver quarters in 1964. Their values are nearly identical in most conditions, as both are valued primarily for their silver content unless they are in exceptionally high grades.
Q: Should I get my 1964 quarter professionally graded?
A: Only if the coin is in “Mint State” condition and appears perfect to the naked eye. Grading costs roughly $30-$50 per coin. If your quarter is worth $6 in silver, grading it would result in a financial loss. Use a coin app first to see if the grade justifies the cost.