1966 Washington Quarter Worth Up To $21,000 |key Features That Increase Value

1966 Washington Quarter Overview

1966 marked the second year after the Washington quarter’s metal composition shifted from silver to copper-nickel. That year, only the Philadelphia Mint produced these coins.

You can find both regular strikes and coins from the Special Mint Set, created specifically for collectors. Neither version carries a mint mark. While these coins aren’t typically considered high-value, well-preserved specimens or rare error coins can be more valuable.

1966 Quarter Value Chart

Condition | 1966 No Mint Mark Quarter
MS 65 | $16

History of the 1966 Washington Quarter

The U.S. Mint first released Washington quarters in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Laura Gardin Fraser’s design won the competition, but Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon chose John Flanagan’s design instead.

Flanagan’s design, featuring a simple yet elegant profile, was made with shallow relief for easier striking. The U.S. Mint made several adjustments to the design over the years, including changes to the motto on the reverse side. Initially, Washington quarters were minted with 90% silver, but this composition remained until 1964.

Rising silver prices led to people hoarding coins, causing a shortage. The idea of minting additional 1964 silver coins further depleted the silver stock. In response, President Lyndon Johnson announced that silver would be eliminated from dimes and quarters. As a result, the Washington quarter was replaced by a cupronickel version starting in 1965.

1966 Quarter Types

Location	Year	Minted
Philadelphia	1966 No Mint Mark Quarter	821,101,500
Philadelphia	1966 SMS Quarter	2,261,583
Total		823,363,083

All quarters minted from 1965 to 1968 lacked a mint mark. Due to the transition in composition, production delays occurred, meaning the 1966 Washington quarters didn’t enter circulation until August of that year.

In the following months, the Mint produced 821,101,500 regular coins without mint marks. There were no proof coins issued in 1966, but coins from the Special Mint Set were available to collectors.

The Mint struck 2,261,583 coins for this set, which included a quarter, cent, half-dollar, dime, and nickel, each housed in a plastic holder. The U.S. Mint limited orders to 25 sets per person due to high demand. The production delays caused by the composition change were resolved by 1967, when proof coins and mint-marked coins returned in 1968.

Features of the 1966 Quarter

Flanagan’s design was meant to honor George Washington, with symbolic elements that represent American ideals and aspirations.

Obverse of the 1966 Quarter (Washington)

On the front side of the 1966 Washington quarter, George Washington’s profile faces left. The date “1966” is located beneath his bust, with “LIBERTY” above it. On the left, you’ll find the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” aligned with Washington’s neck, while the initials “JF” (for John Flanagan, the designer) appear below Washington’s shoulder.

Reverse of the 1966 Quarter (Washington)

The reverse side features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings holding a bundle of arrows in its claws. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the upper edge, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is placed between the eagle and the country’s name. The words “QUARTER DOLLAR” are inscribed along the lower edge, flanked by two olive branches tied together in a wreath.

These elements carry symbolic meanings: the eagle represents independence and strength, the arrows signify readiness for defense, and the olive branches symbolize peace.

1966 Quarter Details

• Face Value: $0.25
• Shape: Round
• Diameter: 0.955 inches (24.26 mm)
• Weight: 0.2 oz (5.67 g)
• Edge: Reeded
• Thickness: 0.069 inches (1.75 mm)
• Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel

Grading the 1966 Washington Quarter

Only the Philadelphia Mint produced these quarters in 1966. Many of these coins were released into circulation, showing signs of wear over time, particularly on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast. The highest-value quarters from this year are those graded MS 68.

1966 Quarter Value Guide

The 1966 Washington quarter has a face value of $0.25, but in circulated condition, it is typically worth this amount. Coins in mint state, however, range from $1 to $20 or more, depending on their preservation and grade. Only rare specimens fetch higher prices.

1966 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The entire set of 1966 quarters was struck without a mint mark. The value of uncirculated coins depends on their grade.

• MS 60: ~$1.50
• MS 61: ~$2.50
• MS 62: ~$3.50
• MS 63: ~$5
• MS 64: ~$7.50
• MS 65: ~$15
• MS 66: ~$35
• MS 67: ~$250

High-grade coins in MS 68 condition can reach up to $5,750, with the most expensive specimen fetching $21,000 at an auction in 2012.

1966 Washington Quarter Value (Special Mint Set)

The U.S. Mint did not issue proof coins in 1966 but released coins in Special Mint Sets instead. These coins, which were of lower quality than proofs but still of interest to collectors, are priced as follows:

• MS 60 – MS 63: ~$3
• SP 64: ~$7.50
• SP 65: ~$10
• SP 66: ~$15
• SP 67: ~$30

Coins in MS 68 or higher can fetch prices of $75 or more, with one such coin selling for $450 on eBay in 2022.

1966 Washington Quarter Value (Special Mint Set CAM)

Coins with cameo contrast (CAM) in the Special Mint Set are valued higher:

• SP 65 (CAM): ~$50
• SP 66 (CAM): ~$75
• SP 67 (CAM): ~$115
• SP 68 (CAM): ~$600

A coin from this set sold for $4,112 in 2014 at Heritage Auctions.

1966 Washington Quarter Value (Special Mint Set DCAM)

Only two grades of DCAM (Deep Cameo) coins exist in the 1966 Special Mint Set. These coins are particularly rare and can be worth:

• MS 67: ~$2,400
• SP 68: ~$6,500

A coin in SP 68 condition was sold for $3,738 in 2021.

Rare 1966 Washington Quarter Errors

The transition to copper-nickel in 1966 led to more coin errors than usual. Notable errors include:

• Doubled Die Reverse (DDR): A misalignment during minting causes design elements to appear duplicated. Coins with noticeable doubling can command premiums, such as one in XF 45 grade, which sold for $920.
• Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet: A coin struck on a smaller dime planchet may be missing parts of the design, and such pieces can sell for up to $300.
• Quarter Struck on a Nickel Planchet: Coins struck on a nickel planchet may have parts of the design missing but can still be identified by their date and partial reverse design. These coins are typically worth around $100.
• Quarter Struck on a Five-Cent Planchet: This error creates a coin missing design elements like “LIBERTY” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” These pieces can fetch over $200.
• Magnetic Wire Struck in Obverse: This error leaves a wire shape imprinted on the coin’s obverse, resembling a horseshoe.

Where to Sell Your 1966 Washington Quarter

If you’re interested in selling your 1966 Washington quarter, several online platforms can help you find a buyer.