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The 1968 Washington Quarter No Mint Mark is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in circulated condition to over $1,500 in top-tier mint state grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can command a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS64) | $2.00 – $15.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65+) | $30.00 – $1,500+ |
| Rare Error Varieties | $50.00 – $500.00 |
Understanding the 1968 Washington Quarter No Mint Mark
If you have just found a shiny 1968 quarter in your change and noticed there is no small letter near the portrait or on the reverse, you aren’t alone. Many people assume that a missing mint mark indicates a rare mistake at the mint. However, in the case of the 1968 Washington quarter, the absence of a mark simply means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
During this era, it was standard practice for Philadelphia-struck coins to lack a mint mark. To get an instant identification and see if your specific coin has hidden features, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research.
In 1968, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 170 million quarters. Because of this high mintage, the vast majority of these coins are still considered “common.” They were made of a copper-nickel clad composition, as the U.S. Mint had transitioned away from 90% silver quarters after 1964. Unless your 1968 coin is in flawless, “like-new” condition, it is likely only worth its face value of 25 cents. However, using CoinKnow, you can scan your coin to check for surface quality that might elevate its price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Detailed Price Guide for 1968 Quarters
The value of a 1968 quarter is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional grading scales run from 1 to 70. Most coins found in jars or vending machines are “circulated,” meaning they show scratches and wear from being touched. These are rarely worth more than a few cents over face value.
When you move into “Mint State” (MS) territory, the prices begin to climb. A coin graded MS65 is considered a “Gem,” and these are sought after by collectors who want the best-looking examples for their albums. For a deep dive into the latest auction data, you can check the 1968 Washington quarter MS prices to see what professional collectors are currently paying.
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| Grade (Numerical Scale) | Designation | Retail Value |
|---|---|---|
| VG8 – VF20 | Very Good / Fine | $0.25 |
| EF40 – AU58 | Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| MS63 | Uncirculated | $5.00 |
| MS66 | Gem Uncirculated | $45.00 |
| MS67+ | Superb Gem | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
How to Spot a Rare 1968 Quarter Error
While most 1968 quarters are mundane, error coins are the “holy grail” for casual hunters. An error occurs when something goes wrong during the striking process at the mint. These mistakes are rare because quality control usually catches them before they leave the facility.
Common errors to look for include “Double Die” strikes, where the lettering or the date looks like it has a blurry, doubled appearance. Another exciting find is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the design is pushed to one side, leaving a crescent of blank metal. If you suspect you have an error, the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin against known error catalogs to verify its authenticity.
A particularly valuable error for the 1968 year is the “Wrong Planchet” error. Sometimes, a quarter design is accidentally struck on a dime blank or a 1-cent planchet. These coins will have the wrong weight, diameter, and color, and can be worth hundreds of dollars. For more details on these anomalies, refer to this 1968 quarter value and error guide.
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Composition and Visual Identification
To accurately value your coin, you must understand what it is made of. Prior to 1965, Washington quarters were 90% silver. If you find a 1964 quarter, it’s worth at least $4 or $5 just for the silver content. However, the 1968 Washington Quarter No Mint Mark is made of a “clad” sandwich: an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer of copper-nickel.
You can easily tell if your coin is a clad version by looking at the edge. A clad coin will show a distinct orange/copper stripe running through the center of the reeded edge. A silver coin will appear solid white/silver all the way through.
Because clad coins are harder than silver coins, they actually resisted wear better, but they also developed “bag marks” easily when they clinked together in mint bags. This is why a 1968 quarter with no scratches is so incredibly rare; most were damaged before they even reached a bank.
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| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (over pure copper core) |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (119 reeds) |
The Market for High-Grade 1968 Quarters
Why would someone pay $1,000 for a 25-cent coin? The answer lies in “Registry Sets.” Serious collectors compete to own the highest-graded example of every coin in a series. For the Washington Quarter series, a 1968 Philadelphia strike in MS67+ or MS68 condition is nearly impossible to find.
When a coin reaches this level of perfection—meaning it has zero visible scratches under 10x magnification and a brilliant, original luster—it becomes a trophy. While the CoinKnow app can give you a baseline, these high-end coins must be authenticated by professional services like PCGS or NGC to reach their full market potential.
If you find a 1968 quarter that looks like it just came off the press, handle it only by the edges. Even the oils from your skin can degrade the surface and lower the grade from a potential thousand-dollar coin to a five-dollar coin.
FAQs
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Is a 1968 quarter with no mint mark rare?
A: No, it is not rare in circulated condition. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 170 million copies without a mint mark. It is only rare if it is in “Mint State 67” condition or higher, which usually requires professional grading.
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Q: Does the 1968 quarter contain any silver?
A: Standard 1968 quarters do not contain silver. They are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint stopped producing 90% silver quarters for circulation after 1964.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1968 quarter?
A: If it had one, the mint mark (D for Denver) would be located on the right side of the obverse (front) of the coin, behind George Washington’s ponytail. Quarters from Philadelphia have no mint mark in this location.
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Q: What is the most expensive 1968 quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens have sold at auction for over $2,500. Specifically, a 1968 Washington quarter graded MS67+ by PCGS set a record price due to its perfection and rare “rainbow toning.”