In 1967, the United States produced an impressive number of fractional coins, reaching a record level of over 7.2 billion pieces. The iconic Lincoln Memorial Center led this surge, contributing a substantial portion of the minting efforts that year.
Meanwhile, the 1967 Washington Quarter also set records, with over 1.5 billion quarters produced—a number that surpassed most previous coinage but fell slightly short of the high mintages seen in 1965.
The High Mintage of the 1967 Washington Quarter
The production numbers for 1967 reflect the collective output from three major minting facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. However, these coins were not marked with mint symbols, meaning collectors today cannot pinpoint their origin by looking at the coin itself.
This quarter was also regularly seen in circulation throughout the 1980s, though most were well-worn by then, generally holding little or no collector value in typical circulated condition. But, for collectors, the 1967 Washington Quarter in uncirculated (Mint State) condition remains interesting and worth adding to a collection.
The Value of a Mint State 1967 Washington Quarter
For collectors, the 1967 Washington Quarter is most valuable in Mint State condition, which means it shows no signs of wear from circulation. These coins were saved in fair quantities by collectors, although fewer were preserved compared to other years when Uncirculated Coin Sets were offered by the U.S. Mint.
Mint State examples are readily available today, and a high-quality piece can usually be purchased for around $5. If the coin has been graded as a Gem by organizations like PCGS or NGC, it could fetch a higher price.
Special Mint Sets and Their Value
In 1967, the U.S. Mint also produced Special Mint Sets, featuring coins that were intended as an alternative to Proof Sets for collectors. With nearly 1.9 million Special Mint Sets made, the quarters in these sets have a distinctive, glossy finish that stands out compared to the frosty or satin look of business strikes.
This finish can make them seem unique, but without specific training, it’s easy to confuse them with regular Mint State coins.
Collectors should pay attention when buying these coins, as grading services do distinguish between the Special Mint Set coins and regular business strikes. Special Mint Set quarters may carry a bit more value, especially when in pristine condition.
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Highest Grades and Record Sales
The highest-known grade for a 1967 Washington Quarter, according to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), is MS69. One such coin was sold at auction in 2024 for over $8,100, marking it as one of the finest examples of a pre-1983 clad Washington Quarter.
In comparison, a PCGS MS68 coin reached nearly $9,000 at auction in 2017, but its value has since dropped, with a recent sale fetching about $4,800.
Avoiding Misleading Claims
Recently, collectors and buyers should be cautious of misleading online listings for circulated 1967 Washington Quarters that claim these coins are rare or feature unique errors.
Some listings on platforms like eBay can be misleading, suggesting that worn or standard quarters are worth significantly more than they are. If you’re interested in acquiring error varieties, refer to resources like the CONECA Master List for accurate information.
Design and Specifications of the 1967 Washington Quarter
The design of the 1967 Washington Quarter is attributed to sculptor John Flanagan. The obverse, featuring a bust of George Washington, is based on an original sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon from the 18th century.
Key details include the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the word “LIBERTY,” and the year “1967.” The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with wings outstretched, clutching arrows with olive branches below—a design that has become iconic for this coin.
The quarter has a reeded edge, a weight of 5.67 grams, and a diameter of 24.3 mm. It is composed of an outer layer of copper and nickel bonded to a pure copper core, giving it durability and a distinct appearance.
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Final Thoughts for Collectors
The 1967 Washington Quarter is a fascinating piece for coin enthusiasts, offering historical significance, accessibility, and a range of values depending on condition and grade. While circulated quarters from this year generally hold little monetary value, uncirculated and higher-graded examples can be valuable additions to a collection.
Whether you’re new to coin collecting or an experienced numismatist, the 1967 quarter is worth exploring for its historical context and its place in the larger story of U.S. coinage.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert.