5 Shocking Reasons Why A 1967 Quarter Could Be Worth Up To $17,000 (And Not $35,000)
Every coin collector's dream is to find a hidden fortune in pocket change, and the 1967 Washington Quarter has become the subject of one of the most persistent and sensational rumors in modern numismatics. As of today, December 25, 2025, the viral claim that a common 1967 quarter is worth a staggering $35,000 is largely a myth. However, this coin is far from worthless. While the $35,000 figure is unverified by major auction houses, a few extremely rare and specific varieties of the 1967 quarter have sold for jaw-dropping prices, with the highest confirmed auction sale reaching an astonishing $17,000 for a top-tier specimen. The key to unlocking this value lies in understanding the critical difference between a standard circulation coin and a highly coveted Special Mint Set (SMS) error.
The vast majority of 1967 quarters you find in your spare change are copper-nickel clad coins worth only their face value of 25 cents, or perhaps $0.30 to $0.85 in circulated condition. But for a select few, the presence of specific minting characteristics—a result of a unique time in U.S. Mint history—can elevate a quarter's value into the thousands. The hunt for these rare varieties is what keeps the rumor alive and makes the 1967 quarter a fascinating piece of numismatic history.
The True Value of a 1967 Washington Quarter: Separating Fact from Fiction
The 1967 Washington Quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history because it was minted during what is known as the "Great Coin Shortage" of the mid-1960s. To discourage hoarding, the U.S. Mint made two major changes:
- No Mint Marks: All quarters produced from 1965 to 1967 lacked mint marks, regardless of which mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco) produced them. This is why finding a 1967 quarter with "no mint mark" is the standard and not an error.
- No Proof Sets: The Mint temporarily suspended the production of traditional Proof Sets. Instead, they issued "Special Mint Sets" (SMS) from 1965 to 1967, which is where the real value is hiding.
The $35,000 claim is likely an exaggeration of the value of an exceptionally rare, unconfirmed error coin, or a misreported sale. The actual, verifiable top-tier sales are significantly lower but still life-changing for a quarter.
Highest Confirmed Auction Prices for a 1967 Quarter
The true record-holders are not your average pocket-change quarters. The highest verifiable auction prices are achieved by the Special Mint Set (SMS) coins, especially those with a high grade and specific errors.
- SMS Grade MS-69: The highest recorded auction price for a 1967 SMS Washington Quarter is approximately $17,000. This coin would be graded at the near-perfect MS-69 level, meaning it has virtually no flaws, a strong strike, and excellent surface quality.
- SMS Double Die Reverse (DDR) FS-801: A 1967 SMS Quarter graded SMS-67 CAM (Cameo) and attributed with the Double Die Reverse (FS-801) sold at auction for $11,753.50. This combination of a high-grade SMS coin with a rare minting error is what makes it so valuable.
Understanding these price points is crucial. The $35,000 quarter is a myth; the $17,000 quarter is a verifiable reality, but it must be an SMS coin with a flawless grade.
Five Key Varieties That Make a 1967 Quarter Valuable
The key to finding a valuable 1967 quarter is to look beyond the date and focus on the quality of the strike and the presence of rare minting errors. If you find one of these, it’s time to send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
1. The Special Mint Set (SMS) Coin
This is the single most important factor. SMS coins were struck with polished dies and planchets, giving them a finish that falls between a standard circulation coin and a Proof coin. They often have a satiny, proof-like, or even a "Cameo" finish.
- How to Identify: Look for an exceptionally sharp strike, highly defined details, and a mirror-like or satin finish that is much brighter and cleaner than a regular quarter.
- Value Potential: While a standard uncirculated coin is only worth about $7.50–$10, an SMS coin in high grades (MS-65 to MS-67) can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The highest grades (MS-68 and MS-69) are the ones that command the five-figure prices.
2. The Double Die Reverse (DDR) Error
The DDR is a highly sought-after mint error that dramatically increases the coin's value. This occurs when the die used to strike the coin is rotated slightly between multiple strikes, causing a doubled image.
- How to Identify: Examine the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the lettering on the reverse side. Look for clear, distinct doubling or overlapping of the letters and numbers. The FS-801 variety is the most famous for the 1967 quarter.
- Value Potential: A DDR error alone can be worth hundreds of dollars, but when combined with a high-grade SMS coin, the value can soar past $10,000.
3. The Struck-on-Copper-Nickel Clad Planchet Error
While the 1967 quarter is supposed to be a copper-nickel clad coin, some error coins were struck on planchets intended for other denominations or compositions. A "Struck-On Copper Quarter Error" can occur when a die is used on an incorrect blank.
- How to Identify: These errors are often subtle and require a professional to verify the metal composition. Look for unusual weight or color.
- Value Potential: These types of errors are highly collectible and can easily fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the severity and clarity of the mistake.
4. Extremely High Mint State (MS-68 and MS-69)
Even without a specific error, a 1967 quarter in a truly exceptional state of preservation is rare and valuable. Because 1967 was a high-mintage year (over 1.5 billion quarters were produced), finding one that survived 58 years without a single scratch, ding, or sign of circulation is incredibly difficult.
- How to Identify: The coin must be "Uncirculated" (MS) and show zero signs of wear. The grade MS-68 is considered "Gem Uncirculated," and MS-69 is "Superb Gem Uncirculated."
- Value Potential: Circulation strikes in these top-tier grades can command prices ranging from $150 to over $1,000. An SMS coin at this level is where the five-figure values begin.
5. Die Crack and Die Break Errors
Die cracks are common, but significant or unusual ones can add a premium to the coin's value. These are fissures that appear on the coin's die, leaving a raised line on the struck coin.
- How to Identify: Look for a distinct, raised line or crack on the coin's surface, often appearing from the horse's mouth on the reverse or near the lettering.
- Value Potential: Depending on the clarity and size of the error, values can range from $20 to $500. While not reaching the $35,000 heights, these are still excellent finds for a coin from this era.
The Numismatic Context: Why 1967 is a Key Date for Collectors
The year 1967 is a pivotal date for collectors of the Washington Quarter series. The transition from 90% silver to the copper-nickel clad composition in 1965, coupled with the introduction of the Special Mint Sets, created an environment ripe for unique and valuable coins. The SMS coins were a direct response to the coin shortage, intended as collector items to replace the traditional Proof Sets.
The SMS coins were not struck with the same high-pressure, multiple-strike method of Proof coins, but they were handled with more care than regular circulation coins, leading to the "proof-like" or "cameo" finishes that collectors cherish today. The low population of these coins in the absolute highest grades is what drives the extreme prices. For instance, the NGC-certified MS-69 SMS quarter is one of the rarest modern coins in existence, making its value difficult to predict but likely to exceed the current $17,000 record in a future auction.
In conclusion, while you won't find a $35,000 quarter in your change, the myth serves as a valuable reminder: always check your 1967 quarters for the telltale signs of a high-grade Special Mint Set coin or a Double Die Reverse error. These are the true treasures that can turn a 25-cent coin into a five-figure investment.
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