1964 Washington Quarter Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
1964 Washington Quarter error coin values for January 2026. Type C Reverse worth $400–$600+, DDO FS-101 up to $800, wrong planchet $9,600+. Silver melt floor ~$19.50. Full attribution guide.
Most 1964 Washington Quarters are worth ~$19.50 in silver melt — but key varieties have topped $9,600 at auction.
- 🥇 Type C Reverse (1964-D, FS-901) — 1965 clad-era die on silver coin: $50–$600+
- 🥈 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 — naked-eye split serifs on IN GOD WE TRUST: $50–$800
- 🥉 Wrong Planchet (~5.67g, copper stripe on edge) — ultra-rare transitional error: $2,500–$9,600+
- ⚪ Standard circulated (any mint) — silver bullion floor: $19.50
⚠️ Biggest trap: Flat, shelf-like Machine Doubling on the date and lettering is extremely common on 1964 quarters and carries zero numismatic premium over silver melt value.
1964 Washington Quarter Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01 with silver spot price at approximately $108/oz.
The baseline value of all 1964 Washington Quarters fluctuates daily with the global silver spot price. The bullion floor of ~$19.50 is based on current spot prices and will change.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, severity, and current market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for high-value varieties including Type C Reverse, Doubled Dies, and wrong planchet errors.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable error and commands zero premium over silver melt value. No major grading service attributes Machine Doubling as an error variety.
Never use active eBay asking prices to value your coin. Use verified sold listings or auction records from Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers.
With silver spot prices surging past $108 per ounce in January 2026, every 1964 Washington Quarter now carries a hard price floor of roughly $19.50 in silver content alone. Yet hidden within billions of these common coins are transitional die varieties and mint errors worth hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars more. This guide shows you exactly what to look for, what to ignore, and when professional grading is worth the cost. → See our full 1964 quarter value guide
1964 Washington Quarter: Specifications & Mintage
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Washington Quarter — final regular 90% silver issue |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 grams (0.18084 troy oz pure silver) |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Philadelphia Mintage | 560,390,585 business strikes + 3,950,762 Proofs |
| Denver Mintage | 704,135,528 business strikes |
| Mint Mark Location | Reverse, below wreath (D = Denver; no mark = Philadelphia) |
| Silver Melt Value (Jan 2026) | ~$19.50 (at ~$108/oz spot price) |
| Tools Needed | 10x–20x loupe, digital scale (0.01g precision), rare-earth magnet |
The 1964 Washington Quarter: last regular-issue 90% silver quarter. The reverse mint mark location (below wreath) and the three reverse zones for variety identification are shown.
The huge mintage figures are not from a single production year. The Coinage Act of 1965 authorized the Mint to continue striking 1964-dated silver quarters well into 1965 and 1966, responding to a severe national coin shortage. This made 1964 one of the most common silver coins ever produced. However, mass melting events in 1980, 2011, and the current 2026 silver surge have steadily eroded the surviving population of high-grade examples.
The silver melt floor (~$19.50) changes daily with the global spot price. A minor error that once commanded a $5 premium over melt is now essentially invisible against this elevated floor — only significant varieties and major errors break through.
1964 Washington Quarter Quick Checks: Do You Have Something Valuable?
Five checks can separate a valuable coin from the billions of bullion-value pieces. Start by noting your mint mark — several key varieties are mint-specific. You will need a 10x loupe and, for Check 5, a precision digital scale.
Check 1 — Type C Reverse (Denver coins only)
The reverse of 1964-D coins: the eagle's tail feathers, the relationship between the wreath leaf tips and the arrowheads, and the overall sharpness of relief.
Eagle tail feathers are remarkably sharp with clear individual separation lines. There is a distinct gap between the leaf tip and the arrowheads — the leaf does NOT touch or blur into the arrows. Overall relief is sharper but slightly lower than standard.
The standard Type A reverse, where the leaf tip is blunt and merges into the arrowheads. Worn Type A dies simply lose definition — they do not acquire Type C characteristics.
Check 2 — Type B Reverse (Philadelphia business strikes only)
The reverse of Philadelphia business strikes: the spacing between 'E' and 'S' in STATES, the wreath leaf tip vs. the letter 'A' in DOLLAR, and the leaf tip relative to the top arrowhead.
Wide, distinct gap between 'E' and 'S' in STATES. The leaf tip clearly touches the base of the 'A' in DOLLAR. The leaf tip extends above the point of the top arrowhead. All three diagnostics should be present.
Standard Type A where 'E' and 'S' in STATES are close or touching. On heavily worn coins (VG/F), metal flow from circulation can make the leaf appear to touch the 'A' — only trust this diagnostic on VF or better coins.
Check 3 — Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 (any mint)
The motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the front of the coin, especially the letters T, R, U, and S. Also check the date '1964' for visible widening.
Distinct split serifs — notches or splits at the corners and tips of letters in the motto. The secondary image is rounded, raised, and matches the relief of the primary image. Visible to the naked eye in higher grades. This is Class I (Rotated Hub) doubling.
Machine Doubling — flat, shelf-like smearing with zero split serifs. This is extremely common on 1964 quarters due to high-speed production and carries zero premium. See the Traps section for side-by-side guidance.
Check 4 — Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (Denver only)
The reverse legends QUARTER DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM on 1964-D coins. Also examine the wreath leaves and the eagle's beak.
A clear spread on the reverse legends with a rounded, raised secondary image and genuine split serifs. Also visible as doubling on the wreath leaves and eagle's beak.
Machine Doubling (flat and shelf-like) or Die Deterioration Doubling (ghostly shadow spread from a worn die). Must show genuine split serifs and a fully raised secondary image to qualify.
Check 5 — Wrong Planchet (any mint) — Requires a Scale
The edge of the coin (the 'third side') for a copper-colored stripe, then weigh on a digital scale with at least 0.01g precision.
Edge shows a distinct copper-brown stripe — the core of the clad sandwich. Weight reads approximately 5.67 grams, significantly lighter than the 6.25g standard for silver quarters.
A 0.01g precision digital scale is essential. Normal silver = 6.25g. Potential clad planchet error = ~5.67g.
Standard silver with a solid silver-white edge and 6.25g weight (±0.19g). Post-mint plated coins (chrome or nickel adds slight weight, obscures details). Acid-dipped coins underweight from chemical corrosion — these have porous, pitted, washed-out surfaces unlike the smooth surface of a genuine planchet error.
Trap: Machine Doubling (Zero Premium)
A flat, shelf-like second image on the date '1964' and lettering. Can look dramatic under a loupe — but it is not a true doubled die.
No split serifs. The secondary image subtracts from — or smears — the main letter width rather than adding a rounded raised duplicate. It looks like a step cut into the metal surface.
Millions of 1964 quarters carry Machine Doubling caused by the die shifting or bouncing at impact or ejection during high-speed production. It is a strike event, not a die error. No major grading service attributes it as a variety.
If none of the five checks return a positive result, your coin is almost certainly worth its silver melt value of ~$19.50. Proceed to professional evaluation only if a check returned a credible match.
1964 Washington Quarter Error Values: Master Reference
All 1964 Washington Quarters contain 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. At the January 2026 spot price (~$108/oz), the silver melt floor is ~$19.50. Any value above this floor requires a confirmed variety, significant error, or exceptional grade. The floor changes daily with silver spot prices.
| Error / Variety | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Circulated | Unc / Best Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type C Reverse | FS-901 | Denver | Rare | $50–$100 | $400–$600+ |
| Type B Reverse | FS-901 | Phila | Scarce | $25–$45 | $110–$200 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | FS-101 | P / D | Scarce | $50–$150 | $400–$800 |
| Doubled Die Reverse | FS-801 | Denver | Very Scarce | $40–$120 | $650–$2,000 |
| Wrong Planchet (Clad) | — | P / D | Ultra Rare | $2,500+ | $9,600 (MS62 rec.) |
| Off-Center Strike | — | P / D | Scarce | $40–$250 | $375 (Unc rec.) |
| Broadstrike | — | P / D | Scarce | $25–$40 | $50–$100 |
| Repunched Mintmark | FS-501/502/503 | Denver | Common | BV only | ~$100 (MS66) |
| Clipped Planchet | — | P / D | Scarce | $30–$60 | $315 (high gr.) |
| Spitting Eagle (Die Clash) | Unlisted | P / D | Common | BV only | ~$100 (MS65) |
| Machine Doubling | — | P / D | Extremely Common | BV only | BV only |
| 1964 SMS | FS-401 | Phila | ~20–50 known | N/A | $24,000 (SP67 rec.) |
Value by Issue Type
Philadelphia Business Strikes
- Circulated:$19.50 (silver melt)
- MS63–MS65:$22–$35
- Type B Reverse, Circulated:$25–$45
- Type B Reverse, MS65:$110–$200
- DDO FS-101, MS65:$400–$800
Denver Business Strikes
- Circulated:$19.50 (silver melt)
- MS63–MS65:$22–$35
- Type C Reverse, Circulated:$50–$100
- Type C Reverse, MS65:$400–$600+
- DDR FS-801, MS65:$650–$2,000
Philadelphia Proofs (3.95M minted)
- Impaired (circulated) Proof:$25+
- PR65:$40+
- DDO varieties on Proof: Significant additional premium
- Proofs have mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Sold in Proof Sets, not circulation.
All Issues — Grade Notes
- MS60–MS63:$22–$28
- MS64–MS65:$28–$35
- MS66+: Scarce; population low after mass melting events
- BV = silver bullion value (~$19.50 at Jan 2026 prices)
1964 Washington Quarter Rare Errors & Varieties: Full Identification Guides
1964-D Type C Reverse — Reverse of 1965 (FS-901)
Type A (left) vs. Type C Reverse (right): note sharp, separated tail feathers and clear leaf-arrow gap on Type C.
Origin & Background
The Type C Reverse is the paramount variety for the 1964-D. As the Mint prepared for the historic switch to copper-nickel clad coinage in 1965, engineers modified the reverse hub design to account for the harder alloy. A die hub intended for 1965 clad production was inadvertently used to create working dies for 1964-D silver strikes — a textbook transitional error that only Denver coins exhibit.
How to Identify
- Eagle tail feathers are remarkably sharp and individually defined with clear separation lines not seen on the standard Type A.
- There is a distinct, clear gap between the wreath leaf tip and the arrowheads. On Type A, the leaf tip is blunt and blurs into the arrows; on Type C, the leaf is crisp and clearly separate.
- Overall relief is slightly lower than Type A, consistent with the modified design for the harder clad alloy.
- Only found on Denver (D) mint coins — not on Philadelphia issues.
False Positives to Avoid
Do not mistake a worn or mushy Type A die for a Type C. Worn Type A dies simply lose definition — they do not gain the crisp, distinct characteristics of Type C. Compare directly to a reference image of a known Type A before concluding you have a Type C.
Market Values
- $50–$100 — Circulated grades
- $400–$600+ — MS65
PCGS Reference
PCGS CoinFacts: 1964-D 25¢ Type C Reverse FS-901
1964 Type B Reverse — Proof Die on Business Strike (FS-901)
Type A (left) vs. Type B Reverse (right): wide E–S gap in STATES and leaf tip touching the A in DOLLAR are the two key markers.
Origin & Background
The Type B Reverse occurs when a die originally prepared for striking Proof coins — which features deeper relief and finer detail — was repurposed for standard business-strike production at the Philadelphia Mint. The two coin types use different die preparation standards, so the Proof die leaves measurably different details on the business strikes produced from it. This variety is exclusive to Philadelphia issues.
How to Identify
- Wide, distinct gap between 'E' and 'S' in STATES — on the standard Type A, these letters are close or touching.
- The leaf tip to the left of the arrowheads clearly touches the base of the 'A' in DOLLAR.
- The leaf tip extends above the point of the top arrowhead.
- All three diagnostics should be present simultaneously for a confirmed attribution.
- Only trust this identification on coins graded VF or better — circulation wear on heavily worn coins (VG/F) can mimic the leaf-touches-A diagnostic through metal flow.
False Positives to Avoid
On worn coins, metal spreading from circulation can make the wreath leaf appear to contact the 'A' in DOLLAR even on a standard Type A reverse. Only attribute as Type B on coins with clearly defined lettering (VF or better). Confirm all three diagnostic zones before drawing a conclusion.
Market Values
- $25–$45 — Circulated grades
- $110–$200 — MS65
PCGS Reference
PCGS CoinFacts: 1964 25¢ Type B Reverse FS-901
1964 Doubled Die Obverse — FS-101 / DDO-001
Normal obverse (left) vs. DDO FS-101 (right): split serifs on T, R, U, and S in IN GOD WE TRUST are the diagnostic markers.
Origin & Background
A Doubled Die is created during die manufacturing, not coin striking. The master hub is pressed into a working die multiple times to transfer the design. If the hub rotates slightly between impressions — even a fraction of a degree — the die receives two slightly offset impressions. Every coin struck from that die then shows the doubled image. The FS-101 is a Class I (Rotated Hub) doubled die, visible to the naked eye on higher-grade coins.
How to Identify
- Strong spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, most visible on the letters T, R, U, and S.
- The date 1964 shows widening of the numerals.
- Look for split serifs — notches or splits at the corners and ends of letters. This is the key feature that separates a true Doubled Die from Machine Doubling.
- The secondary image is rounded, raised, and matches the full relief of the primary image. It adds width to characters rather than subtracting.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling is the overwhelming false alarm on this variety. Machine Doubling produces a flat, shelf-like secondary image with no split serifs — it actually subtracts from letter width rather than adding to it. The 1964 production run created millions of machine-doubled coins, so this is encountered constantly. Die Deterioration Doubling from worn dies creates a ghostly shadow effect and also lacks split serifs. Only a rounded, raised secondary image with split serifs constitutes a true Doubled Die.
Market Values
- $50–$150 — Circulated grades
- $400–$800 — MS65
Resources
GreatCollections Auction Archive: 1964-D DDO FS-101 | NGC: Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse — FS-801
Normal reverse (left) vs. DDR FS-801 (right): doubling visible on QUARTER DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM legends, wreath leaves, and eagle's beak.
Origin & Background
Like its obverse counterpart, the FS-801 is a true hubbing error where the reverse die received two slightly offset impressions during manufacture. It is found exclusively on Denver (D) mint issues. High-grade examples in MS65 or better are exceptionally rare because massive silver melting events have eliminated most gem survivors from the market.
How to Identify
- Doubling visible on QUARTER DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM reverse legends.
- Also shows as a spread on the wreath leaves and the eagle's beak.
- Like the DDO, look for a rounded, raised secondary image with genuine split serifs — not a flat, smeared duplication.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling and Die Deterioration Doubling are the primary false alarms. Neither produces split serifs, and both create flat or ghostly secondary images. Only a raised secondary image with measurable split serifs qualifies as the FS-801.
Market Values
- $40–$120 — Circulated grades
- $650–$2,000 — MS65 (prices exceed $2,000 at auction for gem examples)
Resources
PCGS: Do You Have the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse?
1964 Quarter on Clad Planchet — Transitional Off-Metal Error
Coin edge comparison: solid silver-white (normal) vs. copper-brown stripe (clad planchet error). Digital scale shows ~5.67g vs. standard 6.25g.
Origin & Background
During the transition period (1964–1966), the U.S. Mint was simultaneously producing 1964-dated silver quarters and preparing for the 1965 copper-nickel clad coinage. Planchets (the blank coin discs) of both types were present in the facility. Occasionally, a clad planchet intended for 1965 production was inadvertently fed into a press striking 1964-dated dies. The result is a 1964-dated coin on the wrong metal — a classic transitional off-metal error.
How to Identify
- Edge inspection: View the coin edge (the third side). A copper-brown stripe — the pure copper core of the clad sandwich — will be visible between the outer nickel layers.
- Weight: Weigh on a 0.01g precision digital scale. Clad planchet: approximately 5.67 grams. Standard silver: 6.25 grams (±0.19g). A kitchen scale is not adequate — you need decimal accuracy.
- The surface appearance may differ slightly from a normal silver strike.
False Positives to Avoid
Standard silver coins with a solid silver-white edge and 6.25g weight are the starting assumption for all 1964 quarters. Post-mint chrome or nickel plating adds slight weight and often obscures design details. Acid-dipped coins are underweight due to chemical erosion — their surfaces are porous, pitted, and washed-out, unlike the smooth surface of a genuine planchet error. A rare-earth magnet test (silver is non-magnetic) can rule out crude fakes.
Market Values & Auction Record
- $2,500–$5,000+ — Circulated and uncirculated
- Auction record:$9,600 for an MS62 example
⚠️ Authentication Required
Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is mandatory before selling any suspected wrong-planchet error. Third-party certification documents the composition and weight, making the coin sellable to serious buyers. Do not clean it. Handle by the edges only.
1964 Quarter Off-Center Strike
Off-center strike: design shifted to one side with a blank crescent of planchet exposed. Date visibility is critical to value.
Origin & Background
Off-center strikes occur when the blank planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin with the design shifted to one side and a blank crescent-shaped area of planchet exposed. The date must remain visible for the coin to be attributed to 1964 — without date attribution, it is only a generic off-center error and value drops sharply.
Value by Severity
- Broadstrike / Minor: Full design visible, diameter expanded — $25–$40
- 5–10% off-center (date visible):$40–$80 circulated | $80–$150 uncirculated
- 15–50% off-center (date visible):$100–$250 circulated | $300–$500+ uncirculated
- Over 50% (date missing):~$50 as a generic error — cannot attribute to 1964
Auction Record
$375 for an uncirculated example.
1964 Quarter Broadstrike
Broadstrike: full design visible but diameter expanded beyond normal, with no reeding (edge grooves) — the diagnostic signature.
Origin & Background
A broadstrike occurs when a planchet is struck outside the retaining collar — the ring that normally holds the coin in place and imparts the edge reeding. Without the collar, metal spreads freely outward, expanding the coin's diameter beyond 24.3mm and eliminating the reeded edge entirely.
How to Identify
- The edge has no reeding whatsoever — completely smooth all around.
- The coin is slightly larger in diameter than a standard quarter (24.3mm).
- The full design is present but design elements near the rim may appear slightly spread or flattened.
False Positives to Avoid
Coins with partial reeding loss from heavy circulation wear are not broadstrikes. Coins tumbled in dryers may show edge damage that mimics a smooth edge. Only coins with a completely smooth, rounded edge all the way around and a measurably expanded diameter qualify.
Market Values
- $25–$40 — Circulated
- $50–$100 — Uncirculated (auction range $75–$100)
1964 Washington Quarter Traps: Common Errors Worth Only Melt Value
The 1964 quarter market is plagued by misidentification, partly driven by social media videos and unverified online listings. These are the traps most likely to cost you money.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (Mechanical Doubling)
A flat, shelf-like second image on the date '1964,' IN GOD WE TRUST, or other lettering. Visible under a loupe, sometimes even to the naked eye. Often listed online for large sums.
The die shifts or bounces during the high-speed strike or ejection. This is a mechanical event during striking, not a die manufacturing error. Millions of 1964 quarters carry this — it was the highest-volume production run of silver quarters in U.S. history.
Machine Doubling (left) vs. True Doubled Die (right): the flat shelf-like smear of MD has no split serifs and is worth zero premium.
- The secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it looks like metal was pushed or smeared sideways.
- No split serifs anywhere on the doubled letters.
- The doubling subtracts from or smears the main letter rather than adding a fully raised second impression.
- No major grading service attributes Machine Doubling as an error variety. Submission results in a standard grade and a loss of fees.
Value: Silver melt only (~$19.50).
⚠️ Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD)
A ghostly, spread-out shadow around lettering and design elements, especially near the rim. Looks like the design is fading outward.
As a die wears out toward the end of its lifespan, metal flows outward toward the coin's rim during striking. The 1964 run pushed die life to its limits, creating many DDD coins.
- The ghostly image spreads outward from the primary design toward the rim — not a crisp parallel offset.
- No split serifs. The effect is a soft shadow, not a raised duplicate.
- The coin often looks generally weak or tired overall, not just in the doubled area.
Value: Silver melt only (~$19.50).
⚠️ 'Spitting Eagle' Die Clash
A line running from the eagle's beak, making it appear as if the eagle is spitting. Commonly hyped on social media and listed for hundreds of dollars.
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The collision transfers a ghost image of the obverse design onto the reverse die. The outline of Washington's neck lands near the eagle's beak, creating the 'spit' line.
- Die clashes are relatively common in any high-volume production run.
- Not recognized by top-tier grading services as a major attributed variety.
- Realistic market value is only $10–$20 over melt, despite frequent $100+ asking prices online.
- Always check sold listings, never active asking prices, for a realistic value.
Value: Silver melt + minor novelty premium ($10–$20 above melt at most).
⚠️ Filled Dies / 'Grease Errors'
Missing letters in the legends — for example, QUARTER DOLLAR reading as QUARTER OLLAR. The missing letter area appears flat and featureless.
Grease, metal dust, or debris fills the recessed area of the die that creates a letter. The die cannot impress that letter onto the coin. This is an extremely common production anomaly on any high-volume coinage.
- The missing area is flat and featureless — not raised or showing any displaced metal.
- Filled dies are a curiosity, not a true error variety. Value is typically only a few dollars over melt regardless of which letter is missing.
- Online asking prices of hundreds or thousands for filled dies are unrealistic.
Value: Silver melt + a few dollars novelty at most.
1964 Washington Quarter Grading: How Grade Affects Value
For standard 1964 quarters, grade matters relatively little — all circulated examples trade essentially at silver melt (~$19.50). The jump from MS63 to MS65 adds only $10–$15 in bullion-floor context. But for confirmed varieties, grade is the difference between a minor premium and a serious payday.
- Circulated (G–VF): Silver melt value. No variety commands much premium except the Type C, Type B, and DDO/DDR, which add $25–$150 above melt.
- EF–AU: Light or no wear, but surfaces may lack full luster. Small premium over melt. Varieties begin to show stronger premiums.
- MS60–MS63: No wear, full mint luster. Range is $22–$28 for standard coins. Variety premiums start becoming meaningful.
- MS64–MS65: Gem quality. Range is $28–$35 for standards. Type C Reverse reaches $400–$600+, DDO/DDR reach $400–$2,000 at this tier.
- MS66+: Superb gem. Population is limited due to mass silver melting. Premiums escalate significantly for any variety at this level.
The high bullion floor means gem-quality variety coins need professional grading (PCGS or NGC) to realize their full numismatic potential. A raw (ungraded) Type C Reverse will sell for significantly less than the same coin in a PCGS holder.
1964 Washington Quarter Authentication: When to Get Certified
Professional grading (called third-party grading or TPG) by PCGS or NGC involves submitting your coin to an independent expert who authenticates, grades, and encapsulates it in a tamper-evident plastic holder (a 'slab'). Fees typically run $30–$50 per coin for standard submissions.
Submit for Grading — Yes
- Confirmed Type C Reverse (1964-D) in MS64 or higher — the coin's value can exceed $400, easily justifying a $30–$50 grading fee.
- Suspected Wrong Planchet (clad, ~5.67g) — PCGS/NGC authentication is mandatory. No serious buyer will purchase a $2,500+ error without certified documentation of the weight and composition.
- DDO FS-101 or DDR FS-801 with clear split serifs and original mint luster — value at MS65 can reach $800–$2,000.
Do NOT Submit — Stop
- Standard 1964 quarter, even if shiny — millions exist in MS60–63. Grading fees will exceed the coin's numismatic premium.
- Machine Doubling — no TPG attributes it as an error variety. Submission returns a standard grade and a lost fee.
- Any coin with cleaning, damage, or artificial toning — these receive 'details' designations that reduce value.
💡 SMS Warning
Be extremely skeptical of any raw coin sold as a '1964 SMS.' Fewer than 50 are believed to exist. If it is not in a PCGS or NGC holder designated SP or SMS, treat it as a polished regular strike or an impaired Proof until proven otherwise by a professional.
Dealer referral information: consult the PCGS or NGC dealer directory for authorized dealers who specialize in Washington quarter varieties.
1964 Washington Quarter Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the silver melt value of a 1964 quarter right now?
As of January 2026, the silver melt value is approximately $19.50. Each 1964 quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. Multiply the current silver spot price (available at sites like JM Bullion or APMEX) by 0.18084 to get the current melt floor. This value changes daily with the global silver market.
How do I tell the difference between a Type A, Type B, and Type C reverse?
Type A (standard): The leaf tip is blunt and merges into the arrowheads. 'E' and 'S' in STATES are close or touching. Found on most 1964 quarters from both mints. Type B (Philadelphia only): Wide gap between 'E' and 'S' in STATES, leaf touches base of 'A' in DOLLAR, leaf tip extends above top arrowhead. Type C (Denver only): Sharp, individually defined eagle tail feathers with a distinct gap between leaf tip and arrowheads. A 10x loupe is required to reliably identify both B and C.
What is Machine Doubling and why isn't it valuable?
Machine Doubling (also called Mechanical Doubling) happens when the die shifts or bounces during the strike — it is a mechanical event, not a die manufacturing error. The result is a flat, shelf-like secondary image with no split serifs. A true Doubled Die (like the FS-101) is created during die manufacturing and shows a rounded, raised secondary image with distinct split serifs. Because Machine Doubling is not a die error, no major grading service recognizes it as an error variety. It commands zero premium over silver melt value.
How much is a 1964-D Type C Reverse worth?
In circulated grades: approximately $50–$100. In MS65: approximately $400–$600+. Values are meaningfully above the silver melt floor at all grade levels for confirmed examples. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended for MS64+ coins to document the attribution and maximize resale value.
My 1964 quarter is shiny with no wear. Is it worth a lot?
Not necessarily. Uncirculated (Mint State) standard 1964 quarters are worth approximately $22–$35 at MS63–MS65 — a modest premium over the $19.50 melt floor. Over a billion were minted, and many were saved in original Mint Sets. Only confirmed varieties (Type C, Type B, DDO, DDR) or coins grading MS66+ command significant premiums above melt. Use the Quick Checks above to assess your coin.
What tools do I need to check my 1964 quarter?
Three tools cover almost everything: a 10x–20x loupe (for Type B/C reverse diagnostics and doubled die identification), a digital scale with 0.01g precision (to check for wrong-planchet errors — a kitchen scale is not precise enough), and a rare-earth magnet (silver is non-magnetic; useful as a basic counterfeit filter). A standard magnifying glass is often insufficient for the fine diagnostic lines of the Type C tail feathers.
What is the 1964 SMS quarter and how rare is it?
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter is an extraordinarily rare prototype or transitional strike with a satin finish. Fewer than 50 are believed to exist (some estimates cite as few as 20). They lack the mirror fields of a standard Proof but show sharp die characteristics distinct from a business strike. An example graded SP67 by PCGS sold for $24,000. Never buy a raw (ungraded) coin claimed to be a 1964 SMS — treat any unslabbed example as a polished regular strike until authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
Should I use eBay to value my 1964 quarter error?
Never use active eBay listings to value your coin — anyone can list a damaged quarter for $10,000. Use sold listings on eBay (filter by 'Sold Items') or, better, verified auction records from Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers, which are professional numismatic auction houses with public price archives. The auction records cited in this guide come from those sources.
1964 Washington Quarter Error Guide: Sources & Methodology
Values in this guide reflect January 2026 market conditions with silver spot at approximately $108/oz. All variety attributions, prices, and auction records are drawn from the following primary sources:
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1964-D Type C Reverse FS-901
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1964 Type B Reverse FS-901
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1964 SMS Quarter
- PCGS — 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse article
- NGC — Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling
- Wexler's Die Varieties — 1964-D Transitional Reverse Diagnostics
- GreatCollections — 1964-D DDO FS-101 Auction Archive
- JM Bullion — Live Silver Spot Price
All prices are estimates only and fluctuate with silver spot prices and numismatic market demand. Professional authentication recommended for all high-value attributions.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
