1968-S Washington Quarter Value: Is Your Proof Coin Real?

The 1968-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in pristine, high-grade Deep Cameo proof condition. While most are worth only a few dollars, finding a perfect specimen can lead to a significant payday for lucky collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $1.00
Proof-65 (Minor Haze)	$3.00 – $7.00
Proof-69 (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $35.00
Proof-70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$1,000+

Did you happen to find a shiny quarter with an “S” mint mark among your loose change or in an old dresser drawer? Before you spend it on a snack, you should know that you might be holding a specialized collector’s item. To accurately identify your find, many people use the top coin identifier app to distinguish between common pocket change and rare proof strikes.

The 1968-S Washington Quarter is unique because it was produced during a transitional era for the United States Mint. Unlike the standard quarters you find in your wallet today, which are minted in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the “S” mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Assay Office. CoinKnow users often report finding these in old estate collections or original Proof Sets, where the mirrored finish still shines after five decades.

History and Production of the 1968-S Washington Quarter

In 1968, the United States Mint made a major change by resuming the use of mint marks on coinage after a three-year hiatus. From 1965 to 1967, the Mint removed these marks to discourage hoarding during the transition from silver to copper-nickel clad compositions. When the “S” returned in 1968, it was strictly reserved for “Proof” coins—pieces struck twice with specially polished dies to create a mirror-like background and frosted details.

Because these were intended for collectors and sold in plastic-encased sets, they were never meant to enter general circulation. However, over the years, many sets were broken open, and the coins were spent as regular money. If you find one in your change, it likely has some scratches, but it still stands out because of that tiny “S” located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.

If you are curious about the technical specifications of your coin, you can check the exact 1968-S Proof Washington Quarter value and specifications online. Unlike quarters from 1964 and earlier, these 1968 coins do not contain any silver. They are made of a copper core bonded to outer layers of copper-nickel, which is why they don’t have the “silver ring” sound when dropped.

Understanding the Gradual Value of 1968-S Quarters

The value of a 1968-S Washington Quarter depends almost entirely on its “eye appeal” and technical grade. Because over 3 million of these were minted, they are common in lower proof grades. However, because they were often stored poorly, finding a 1968-S with “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast is much rarer. DCAM coins have a stark, white frosting on the portrait of Washington that makes it pop against a liquid-black mirror background.

Grade Designation	Visual Features	Market Value
Proof (PR)	Standard mirrors, some haze.	$2 – $5
Cameo (CAM)	Light frost on the design.	$8 – $15
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Heavy frost, like a black-and-white photo.	$50 – $1,500+

For most casual hunters, the CoinKnow app helps by providing high-resolution comparisons so you can see if your coin has that elusive frosting. If the coin looks dull or has many scratches, it will likely stay at the lower end of the price spectrum. If it looks like a perfect mirror, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Key Factors That Influence 1968-S Quarter Value

To determine the true worth of your coin, look closely at the surface. Since 1968-S quarters are copper-nickel clad, they are prone to “clouding” or “toning” over time if exposed to air. A coin that has developed a blue or rainbow-colored tarnish might actually be more valuable to certain collectors who enjoy “toned” coins, though most prefer the original brilliant white look.

Another factor is the “strike.” Since these were struck twice, the details should be incredibly sharp. Look at the feathers on the eagle’s breast on the reverse (back) of the coin. If the feathers are crisp and individual, the coin is a high-quality strike. If the details look mushy, it was likely struck toward the end of a die’s life, which is less desirable for high-end collectors.

You can find more detailed 1968-S Washington quarter price data and minting errors to see if your coin matches any known varieties. For instance, some collectors look for minor doubling on the obverse lettering, though no major “doubled die” errors for the 1968-S are widely recognized as high-value “holy grails” compared to other years.

1968 Washington Quarter Varieties: Philadephia and Denver

While the “S” mint mark is the most common “find” for people looking at 1968 quarters, the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D” mint mark) versions were the ones actually intended for circulation. These were minted in massive quantities—over 170 million in Philadelphia and over 100 million in Denver—making them very common.

Mint Mark	Strike type	Max Value (MS70/PR70)
None (Phila)	Business Strike	$600+
D (Denver)	Business Strike	$400+
S (San Francisco)	Proof Strike	$1,500+

The reason the Philadelphia and Denver coins can be valuable in “Mint State” (MS) is that they were rarely preserved. Most were tossed into pockets, scratched by keys, and worn down. An original, uncirculated 1968-D quarter with a “full strike” can be a treasure for a collector trying to complete a registry set. If you use CoinKnow, you can scan these standard quarters to see if their condition warrants a professional grade.

How to Spot a 1968-S Quarter Error

While the 1968-S is primarily known as a proof coin, errors do occasionally occur. Mint errors can turn a $2 coin into a $200 coin instantly. Common errors to look for include “clipped planchets,” where a piece of the coin is missing due to a manufacturing mistake, or “off-center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side.

One rare error to watch for is a “transitional error.” While incredibly unlikely for this specific year, collectors always search for 1968 quarters accidentally struck on 90% silver planchets left over from 1964. You can test this by weighing the coin on a jeweler’s scale. A standard clad 1968 quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a silver one would weigh 6.25 grams. Even if it’s not silver, checking for mechanical doubling or “die cracks” can add a small premium to the 1968-S Washington Quarter value.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1968-S quarter made of silver?

A: No, standard 1968-S Washington Quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for quarters in 1964. If your coin has a copper stripe on the edge, it is definitely not silver.

Q: Why does my 1968-S quarter look “frosty” or like a mirror?

A: That is because it is a “Proof” coin. These were specially made for collectors using polished dies and blanks. The “S” mint mark was only used for these special collector versions in 1968.

Q: How much is a circulated 1968-S quarter worth?

A: If the coin has been used as money and has scratches or wear, it is generally only worth its face value of $0.25, or perhaps a small premium (up to $1.00) to someone filling a coin folder.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968 quarter?

A: The mint mark is located on the “obverse” (heads) side, to the right of George Washington’s bust, near the ribbon in his hair. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was made in Denver. An “S” means it was made in San Francisco.

Q: Should I get my 1968-S quarter professionally graded?

A: Only if the coin is in perfect condition with deep cameo contrast. Grading costs can exceed $30-$50 per coin, so the coin needs to be worth much more than that to justify the expense. Most 1968-S quarters are best kept in their original Mint Set packaging.