1968 Washington Quarter Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
1968 Washington Quarter errors explained: FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse worth $50–$5,250+, silver planchet errors up to $10,000+. Identify every rare variety with expert diagnostics and auction records.
Most 1968 quarters are worth 25¢, but the Denver Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 commands $50–$5,250+ and silver-planchet transitional errors can exceed $10,000.
- 🔍 Top prize: 1968-D DDR FS-801 — $50–$150 circulated, $600–$900 gem MS65, $5,250+ in MS67
- 🔍 Holy Grail: Struck on 90% silver planchet — $5,000–$10,000+ (must weigh ~6.25 g to confirm)
- 🔍 S-Proof varieties: DDO FS-101, DDR FS-801, RPM FS-501 — $25–$2,800+ depending on grade and cameo
- 🔍 Edge alert: Solid silver-white edge with no copper stripe = major red flag; weigh immediately
⚠️ Warning: 95% of "doubled" 1968 quarters are worthless machine doubling worth only 25¢. Split serifs are the key test — flat, shelf-like doubling has zero collector value.
1968 Washington Quarter Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2025-01 and may fluctuate with market conditions.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and professional authentication status.
Professional authentication (PCGS, NGC, or ANACS) is recommended for any variety estimated over $100.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like secondary image with no split serifs) is NOT a valuable error. 95% of 1968 doubled die claims are worthless machine doubling.
Do NOT clean your coins. Cleaning destroys mint luster and can reduce value by 50–70%.
Wrong planchet errors require weight verification with a calibrated digital scale (0.01g accuracy) for confirmation.
Auction records for top-pop coins may deviate significantly from typical market prices due to registry set competition.
In 1968, the U.S. Mint moved mintmarks from the quarter's reverse to the obverse for the first time since 1932, and San Francisco resumed Proof production after a three-year hiatus. High-speed presses running at full capacity left their mark: the 1968-D Doubled Die Reverse (FS-801)—widely called the "King of clad-era doubled dies"—can fetch $5,250+ in superb gem grades, and wrong-planchet transitional errors have realized over $10,000. Yet more than 325 million quarters were struck that year; the overwhelming majority are worth only 25¢. This guide shows you exactly how to tell the difference. Pair it with our full 1968 Quarter Value Guide for baseline prices across all grades.
1968 Washington Quarter Specifications & Mintage
Before hunting errors, lock down the baseline. Any deviation from these specifications — especially weight or edge color — is your first clue that something unusual is happening.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Washington Quarter (1932–1998) |
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel Clad — outer layers 75% Cu / 25% Ni bonded to a pure copper core (the "sandwich" design visible at the edge) |
| Weight | 5.67 g (tolerance ±0.227 g) — any coin outside this range warrants investigation |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded — a copper-orange stripe is visible between the two silver-toned outer layers on a normal clad coin |
| Mintmark Location | Obverse (heads side), right of the ribbon tying Washington's ponytail — this is a key 1968 change; pre-1965 quarters had the mintmark on the reverse |
Red arrow points to the 1968 mintmark position on the obverse — right of the ponytail ribbon.
Mintage & Baseline Values by Mint
| Mint | Type | Mintage | Baseline Value | Key Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mintmark) | Business Strike | 220,731,500 | 25¢ – $5.00 (MS65) | None major — check for planchet errors |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike | 101,534,000 | 25¢ – $5.00 (MS65) | DDR FS-801 ⭐ — up to $5,250+ |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof Only | 3,041,506 | $5–$12 (standard proof) | DDO FS-101, DDR FS-801, RPM FS-501 |
The 1968-S was produced exclusively as a Proof coin — the first time "S" appeared on quarters since 1964. Any circulated-looking coin with an S mintmark requires careful authentication. See full 1968 Quarter value chart →
1968 Quarter Quick Checks: Do You Have a Valuable Error?
Run through these diagnostics in order. Each takes under two minutes. You need a 10x loupe (jeweler's magnifying glass) for most checks and a digital scale (accurate to 0.01 g) for the weight test.
Three edge types: normal clad (copper stripe visible), solid silver (possible silver planchet), solid copper (possible missing clad layer).
Check 1 — Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (Denver D coins only) — Priority #1
Reverse (tails side): examine QUARTER DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the wreath leaves, and the eagle's wing tips under 10x magnification.
Dramatic thickening and notching on all reverse letters. Split serifs — distinct notches at letter corners (especially T and R). Secondary leaf tips visible beside primary ones on the wreath. Doubling is rounded, raised, and makes letters look wider. Strong examples are visible to the naked eye.
Flat, shelf-like doubling that makes letters look stepped or thinner is machine doubling — worth 25¢. No split serifs = no value. See Traps for the full breakdown.
Check 2 — Edge & Weight Test (All Mints — Wrong Planchet Detection)
Examine the reeded edge (the grooved rim of the coin) in good light. Then weigh on a digital scale if available.
Solid silver/white edge + ~6.25 g → possible 90% silver planchet ($5,000–$10,000+). Undersized diameter (~17.9 mm) + ~2.27 g → struck on dime planchet ($1,000–$3,000+). One side solid copper/brown + ~4.7–5.3 g → missing clad layer ($100–$400).
Normal clad quarters show a copper-orange stripe sandwiched between two silver-toned layers and weigh ~5.67 g. Acid-dipped coins may appear silver-colored but have pitted, mushy surfaces and irregular weight.
Check 3 — Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 (San Francisco S-Proof coins only)
Obverse of S-mint Proof coins only: focus on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date under 10x magnification.
Strong split serifs on the T, R, and U in IN GOD WE TRUST. Doubling spreads counter-clockwise from the die center. Slight thickening and notching visible on LIBERTY letters. The date 1968 may show minor doubling.
Die deterioration doubling from worn dies produces fuzzy, indistinct ghosting. True DDO shows crisp, distinct secondary images with sharp split serifs — not mushy halos.
Check 4 — Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 & RPM FS-501 (San Francisco S-Proof coins)
Reverse: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR for the DDR. Obverse: the S mintmark itself (right of ponytail ribbon) for the RPM — use 20x magnification.
DDR: Strong doubling on reverse legends spreading toward the coin center; notching on serif letters. RPM FS-501: A secondary S impression protruding to the North or South of the primary S — two distinct, overlapping punch marks.
A faint or partial S from grease in the die is NOT an RPM — that creates one weak impression, not two distinct ones. Flat shelf-like reverse doubling is machine doubling.
Trap Check — Machine Doubling (All Mints — NOT Valuable)
Any lettering: LIBERTY, QUARTER DOLLAR, IN GOD WE TRUST, or the date 1968.
95% of supposed doubled-die finds on 1968 quarters are worthless machine doubling — caused by die vibration creating flat, shelf-like secondary images. These subtract from letter width and have zero numismatic value.
Genuine doubling adds width (letters look fatter, serifs are split). Machine doubling removes material (letters look stepped or thinner). No split serifs = almost certainly machine doubling. Do not pay grading fees on machine-doubled coins.
Machine doubling (left) shows flat, stepped shelves with no split serifs. Genuine Doubled Die (right) shows rounded, raised secondary images with distinct split serifs.
Using a digital scale to check for wrong-planchet errors: 6.25 g suggests silver, 2.27 g suggests dime stock, 5.67 g is normal.
1968 Washington Quarter Errors: Complete Value Table
All verified, numismatically significant errors for the 1968 Washington Quarter. Values reflect actual realized auction prices as of early 2025.
| Error Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | FS-801 | D | Scarce | $50–$5,250+ | $8,812.50 |
| Struck on Silver Planchet | — | S (probable) | Extremely Rare | $5,000–$10,000+ | $5,000+ |
| Struck on Dime Planchet | — | All | Very Rare | $1,000–$3,000+ | — |
| Doubled Die Obverse | FS-101 | S (Proof) | Scarce | $50–$2,800+ | $2,800+ (PR69 DCAM) |
| Missing Clad Layer | — | All | Uncommon | $100–$400 | — |
| Doubled Die Reverse (Proof) | FS-801 | S (Proof) | Scarce | $50–$600+ | — |
| Repunched Mintmark | FS-501 | S (Proof) | Scarce | $25–$250+ | — |
| Off-Center Strike (>20%) | — | All | Uncommon | $50–$150+ | — |
| Standard 1968-P (circulated) | — | P | Very Common | 25¢ | — |
| Standard 1968-D (circulated) | — | D | Very Common | 25¢ | — |
| Standard 1968-S Proof (raw) | — | S | Common | $5–$12 | — |
ℹ️ Auction Record Note
Top-pop coins (MS67, PR69 DCAM) often set records far above typical market prices due to registry set competition. Pricing for high-grade errors is based on sparse census data and can deviate significantly from average realized prices.
1968 Washington Quarter Valuable Errors: Detailed Guide
1968-D Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (CONECA DDR-001) — The King
Normal 1968-D reverse (left) vs. FS-801 DDR (right) showing dramatic doubling on QUARTER DOLLAR with visible split serifs.
Origin & Background
The FS-801 is widely considered one of the most significant doubled dies of the clad era. It was created during the hubbing process when two die impressions were applied with a slight rotational and pivotal offset — a Class I (Rotated Hub) and Class V (Pivoted Hub) combination. Every coin struck by that specific die carries the same doubling, making it a true die variety rather than a mechanical accident.
How to Identify
- QUARTER DOLLAR: Extreme thickening and notching on all letters — the primary pickup point
- E PLURIBUS UNUM: Distinct letter separation creating a "double vision" effect
- Wreath: Secondary leaf tips visible adjacent to the primary leaf tips — a shadow effect on the foliage
- Eagle's wings: Doubling visible on the wing tips
- Split serifs: Distinct notches at letter corners (especially T and R) — the definitive test
- Late Die State marker: A heavy die dot to the left of the final A in AMERICA on late die state coins
Wreath detail on the FS-801: secondary leaf tips (outlined in red) beside primary leaf tips confirm genuine hub doubling.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling is flat, shelf-like, and subtracts from letter width with no split serifs. Genuine doubling adds rounded, raised width. 95% of supposed 1968-D DDR submissions are worthless machine doubling — do not submit a coin with shelf-like doubling for grading.
Market Values
- Circulated (VF20–AU50): $50–$150
- Uncirculated (MS60–MS63): $250–$450
- Gem (MS65): $600–$900
- Superb Gem (MS66–MS67): $2,500–$5,250+
Auction Record
$8,812.50 for an exceptional example (Coin World auction analysis). PCGS CoinFacts documents the variety at PCGS #145807.
1968-S Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 (CONECA DDO-001) — Proof Only
IN GOD WE TRUST on the 1968-S Proof FS-101 DDO: red circles show split serifs on T, R, and U from counter-clockwise hub doubling.
Origin & Background
Found exclusively on San Francisco Proof coins, the FS-101 was caused by a Class I (Rotated Hub) doubling during the die-making process. The doubling spreads counter-clockwise from the center of the die, placing the most dramatic distortion on the motto.
How to Identify
- IN GOD WE TRUST: Strong split serifs on the T, R, and U — primary pickup points
- Spread direction: Counter-clockwise from the die center
- LIBERTY: Slight thickening and notching on the lettering
- Date 1968: May show minor doubling or thickening
False Positives to Avoid
Die deterioration doubling from worn proof dies produces fuzzy, indistinct ghosting — not the crisp, sharp split serifs of a genuine DDO. Compare letter widths to a normal 1968-S Proof under the same magnification.
Market Values
- Standard Proof (PR65–PR67): $50–$150
- Deep Cameo (PR68 DCAM): $300–$600+
- Top Pop (PR69 DCAM): $1,000–$2,800+
Auction Record
$2,800+ for PR69 DCAM. GreatCollections archive: 1968-S DDO FS-101 Proof sales history.
1968-S Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (CONECA DDR-001) — Proof Only
How to Identify
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Strong doubling with notching on serif letters
- QUARTER DOLLAR: Similar thickening and notching to the Denver FS-801
- Spread direction: Generally toward the center of the coin (inward spread)
- Compare to a normal 1968-S Proof — letter widths will be visibly greater on genuine DDR
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling and die deterioration produce flat or fuzzy secondary images. On proof coins, genuine DDR doubling should appear crisp and distinct. A coin with mushy, shelf-like reverse images is not the FS-801.
Market Values
- Standard Proof (PR65–PR67): $50–$150
- Deep Cameo (PR68 DCAM): $300–$600+
Auction Record
No single definitive auction record documented in current data. PCGS and NGC registry examples are the benchmark for market value.
1968-S Repunched Mintmark FS-501 (RPM-001) — Proof Only
RPM FS-501: the secondary S mintmark impression (outlined) protrudes to the north of the primary S.
Origin & Background
Until 1989–1990, the Mint hand-punched mintmarks into each working die individually. An imperfect punch — or a die that shifted between strikes — left two overlapping S impressions. The FS-501 is a Proof-only variety for 1968.
How to Identify
- Use 20x magnification on the S mintmark (right of ponytail ribbon)
- A secondary S impression is visible, usually protruding to the North or South of the primary mintmark
- Both punch impressions should be distinctly outlined — not merged or fuzzy
False Positives to Avoid
A weak, partial, or faint S caused by a grease-filled die is NOT an RPM. Grease-filled dies produce one faint impression, not two distinct ones. The RPM requires clearly separate, overlapping punch impressions.
Market Values
- Standard Proof (PR65–PR67): $25–$75
- Deep Cameo (PR68+ DCAM): $100–$250+
Reference
PCGS CoinFacts: 1968-S 25C RPM FS-501 (Proof) — #147212.
1968 Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
Quarter design struck on a dime-sized planchet: the coin is dramatically smaller than a normal quarter, with peripheral design cut off.
Origin & Background
The late 1960s transition away from silver created chaotic planchet handling at all Mint facilities. Dime blanks (planchets ready for striking) were occasionally fed into quarter presses. The dime planchet is the same cupro-nickel clad composition as the quarter but far smaller — only 17.9 mm across vs. 24.3 mm.
How to Identify
- Size: Coin is dramatically smaller (~17.9 mm) than a normal quarter (24.3 mm) — visible immediately
- Weight: ~2.27 g (dime standard) vs. 5.67 g — use a calibrated scale
- Design: Peripheral elements (LIBERTY, date, eagle details) are cut off or missing because the dime planchet is too small to fill the quarter die cavity
- Edge: May show a "railroad rim" — an aggressive, flared edge from metal flowing outward
- Composition: Still clad (copper-nickel) — not to be confused with the silver planchet error
False Positives to Avoid
Post-mint grinding or filing can make a quarter appear smaller, but check for even rims and proper strike characteristics. Filed coins show tool marks, uneven edges, and abnormal surface texture inconsistent with a mint-made coin.
Market Values & Auction Record
Value: $1,000–$3,000+ depending on how complete the design is and the coin's overall condition. Heritage Auctions has handled similar Denver-mint dime-planchet errors: Heritage lot 60502-53078.
1968 Quarter Struck on 90% Silver Planchet (Transitional Error)
Silver planchet error edge: solid silver-white with zero copper stripe — the opposite of a normal clad quarter's edge.
Origin & Background
San Francisco minted the last 90% silver Washington Quarters in 1964. Leftover silver planchets from that production sat in bins and were occasionally struck by 1968 dies — a "transitional error." Most verified examples are believed to be S-mint coins because San Francisco handled both the last silver coins and the 1968 Proof production.
How to Identify
- Edge: Solid silver-white with NO copper stripe — the definitive visual test
- Weight: ~6.25 g (90% silver standard) vs. 5.67 g normal — use a calibrated 0.01 g scale
- Luster: Brilliant white, distinct from the slightly greyish hue of normal clad quarters
- Do NOT rely on visual inspection alone — weight confirmation is mandatory
False Positives to Avoid
Acid-dipped coins can appear brilliantly silver but have pitted, mushy surfaces and incorrect weight. Environmental toning can mimic silver appearance on clad. Nickel planchet errors also show a solid edge but weigh approximately 5.0 g — less than the 6.25 g silver standard. Professional authentication is the only way to definitively confirm.
Market Values & Auction Record
Value: $5,000–$10,000+ highly dependent on grade and eye appeal. Verified examples have been authenticated at Heritage Auctions for $5,000+. PCGS has certified related transitional errors including a famous two-tailed Washington quarter mule struck on silver.
1968 Quarter Missing Clad Layer
Missing clad layer: normal copper-nickel side (left) vs. solid copper/brown side (right) that resembles a penny.
How to Identify
- Appearance: One side of the coin is fully copper red/brown, resembling a cent — the other side looks normal
- Weight: ~4.7–5.3 g (lighter than standard 5.67 g due to the missing outer strip)
- Texture: The copper side has a distinct rough texture — not smooth or acid-washed
- Strike quality: The copper side often shows mushy or weak details because the thinner planchet did not fill the die cavity properly
False Positives to Avoid
Environmental damage from burial, acid treatment, or heavy cleaning can create copper-colored surfaces. Genuine missing clad layers have a distinctive rough copper texture and a consistent weight reduction. A smooth, acid-washed surface is not a mint error.
Market Values
- Standard missing clad (uncirculated): $100–$400
- Higher value if the date and design are on the missing-clad (copper) side — this adds significant eye appeal and collectibility
1968 Quarter Struck Off-Center
Off-center strike with crescent-shaped blank area. Date is fully readable — critical for maximum value.
How to Identify
- A crescent-shaped blank area exists where the planchet was not covered by the die
- The design is shifted off center toward one edge
- Value threshold: Collectors pay premiums only for strikes greater than 10–15% off-center that include a full, readable date
- More dramatic percentage = higher value
False Positives to Avoid
Broadstrikes (coins struck without a retaining collar) can appear similar but the planchet expands evenly without a crescent blank. Bent or folded coin edges are post-mint damage — not striking errors.
Market Values
- Greater than 20% off-center, uncirculated, full date: $50–$150+
- Dramatic (50%+) with full date: significantly higher, determined by auction
1968 Quarter Traps: Common Mistakes That Cost Collectors Money
The 1968 quarter market is riddled with false positives. These are the three traps that cost collectors grading fees and cause real frustration.
⚠️ Trap 1: Machine Doubling (The #1 Mistake)
Letters or numbers on the coin appear doubled — a secondary shadow image accompanies the primary design element. Visible on LIBERTY, the date, QUARTER DOLLAR, or IN GOD WE TRUST.
The 1968 Mint ran presses at high capacity with imperfectly secured dies. When the die bounced or vibrated after striking, it sheared the already-struck coin surface, creating a flat secondary image. This is damage to the struck coin, not a doubled die.
- The secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it looks stepped or scooped away
- The secondary image makes letters look thinner or narrower, not wider
- There are no split serifs — no distinct notches at the corners of T, R, or other serif letters
- Genuine doubled dies add width; machine doubling removes it
Value: Face value only — 25¢. Do not submit machine-doubled coins for grading; you will lose the grading fee.
⚠️ Trap 2: The "No S" Proof Myth & Mintmark Confusion
A shiny, bright 1968 quarter with no mintmark on the obverse. You assume it is a rare "No S" Proof error worth significant money.
Philadelphia coins have never had a mintmark. Collectors who know that famous "No S" Proofs exist (on 1970, 1975, 1983, 1990 coins) mistakenly assume a Philadelphia quarter or a polished business strike is a valuable Proof error.
- A Philadelphia business strike is supposed to have no mintmark — it's normal, not an error
- A genuine Proof coin has squared, wire-thin rims and deep mirror-like fields — a polished or cleaned business strike does not
- A "weak S" on a genuine 1968-S Proof (from grease in the die) is a minor curiosity, not a major rarity
- Major 1968 No S Proof Quarters are not widely recognized as a key rarity in the same category as 1970-S or 1975-S
Value: Face value for Philadelphia business strike. Weak S Proofs: minor premium only.
⚠️ Trap 3: Altered Coins & Counterfeit Mintmarks
A coin with what appears to be an S mintmark added to a Philadelphia coin, or a D mintmark that looks slightly off in position or shape compared to known genuine examples.
Unscrupulous sellers glue, solder, or tool a mintmark onto a common coin to simulate a rarer variety. They may also acid-dip clad coins to mimic the look of a silver planchet error.
- Inspect the mintmark area under 20x magnification for tool marks, glue residue, or discoloration of the metal
- Genuine mintmarks are part of the die — the coin metal flows around them cleanly
- Acid-dipped coins have pitted, mushy surfaces and may show unexpected weight due to metal removal
- Genuine missing clad layers have a rough copper texture — acid-treated coins are smooth and unnaturally bright
Value: Face value only. Professional authentication required for any coin with a suspected altered mintmark.
1968 Washington Quarter Grading: How Condition Affects Value
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Uncirculated). For error coins like the FS-801 DDR, grade has an enormous impact on value — the difference between circulated and gem uncirculated is often 10x or more.
| Grade Range | What It Means | 1968-D FS-801 Value |
|---|---|---|
| VF20–AU50 (Circulated) | Visible wear on Washington's cheek and hair; high points are flat; luster is gone | $50–$150 |
| MS60–MS63 (Uncirculated) | No wear but significant bag marks or scratches from mint handling | $250–$450 |
| MS65 (Gem) | Strong luster, minimal marks, excellent eye appeal | $600–$900 |
| MS66–MS67 (Superb Gem) | Virtually flawless; deep, booming luster — Condition Census coins | $2,500–$5,250+ |
For 1968-S Proof coins, the designation DCAM (Deep Cameo) — meaning heavily frosted raised devices floating on jet-black mirror fields — can increase value 4–10x over a standard proof. Early strikes often lack full cameo contrast, making DCAM examples most desirable for registry collectors. Check PCGS CoinFacts #96000 for DCAM population data.
1968 Washington Quarter Authentication: When and How to Get Certified
Professional authentication by a Third Party Grader (TPG) is essential for any 1968 quarter error worth over $100. Certified coins in sealed holders ("slabs") command higher prices and are far easier to sell to serious collectors and dealers.
When to Submit
- 1968-D suspected FS-801 DDR — if split serifs are confirmed under loupe
- Any coin with anomalous weight — even a possible silver or dime-planchet error
- 1968-S Proof with confirmed DDO, DDR, or RPM — especially if DCAM designation is possible
- Any coin estimated over $100 in value
The Golden Rule: Do NOT Clean Your Coin
⚠️ Cleaning Destroys Value
Cleaning a coin strips its natural mint luster and surface, permanently destroying its numismatic value. A cleaned rare coin is worth 50–70% less than an original, problem-free example. Never use any cleaner, polish, or even a dry cloth on a potentially valuable coin.
Recommended TPGs
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) — industry standard for Washington Quarter varieties
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — equally respected; strong census for 1968-S Proof population
- ANACS — recognized service, often lower submission fees for lower-value errors
Before You Submit
- Verify the weight on a calibrated digital scale (0.01 g accuracy) for any planchet error
- Confirm the diagnostic (split serifs for DDR/DDO; distinct double impression for RPM) under proper magnification
- Store in a non-PVC coin flip or holder — never a paper envelope or plastic bag
Looking for a local dealer or numismatist to evaluate your coin in person? Dealer information is not currently available in this guide — consult the American Numismatic Association dealer directory (ANA.org) for vetted professionals in your area.
1968 Washington Quarter Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 1968 quarter error?
The most valuable regularly-traded 1968 quarter error is the 1968-D Doubled Die Reverse FS-801, which has sold for as much as $8,812.50 at auction. However, transitional silver planchet errors — quarters struck on leftover 90% silver blanks — can exceed $10,000 due to their extreme rarity. Both require professional authentication.
How do I tell machine doubling from a genuine doubled die?
The key test is the split serif. On a genuine doubled die (DDR or DDO), the corners of serif letters (like T, R, U) show two distinct notches where two rounded images overlap — the letters look wider. Machine doubling creates a flat, stepped, shelf-like secondary image that makes letters look thinner or scooped. Genuine doubling adds material; machine doubling subtracts it. 95% of doubled 1968 quarters are machine doubling worth 25¢.
How do I know if my 1968 quarter is struck on a silver planchet?
There are two tests: edge check and weight check. Look at the reeded edge — a normal clad quarter has a visible copper-orange stripe between two silver-toned layers. A silver planchet error has a solid silver-white edge with no copper stripe at all. Then weigh on a calibrated digital scale: normal clad = 5.67 g; silver planchet = approximately 6.25 g. Both tests must be consistent. Do not rely on visual inspection alone.
Why does my 1968 Philadelphia quarter have no mintmark? Is it rare?
Philadelphia quarters have never carried a mintmark — this is completely normal and expected. Over 220 million 1968 Philadelphia quarters were struck without a mintmark. This is not an error. In 1968, mintmarks moved from the reverse to the obverse for all mints (D and S), but Philadelphia continued its tradition of no mintmark.
Is a worn, circulated 1968-D FS-801 DDR still worth money?
Yes — even circulated examples of the FS-801 carry significant premiums. A coin graded VF20 through AU50 is worth approximately $50–$150, compared to face value for a common 1968-D. This is because the doubling on the FS-801 is so dramatic that it remains clearly visible even with moderate circulation wear. The split serifs and thickened legends should still be apparent under a loupe.
What does "DCAM" mean on a 1968-S Proof quarter?
DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation given by grading services (PCGS and NGC) to Proof coins where the raised devices (Washington's portrait, the eagle) have a heavy, frosty white appearance that contrasts dramatically with the jet-black mirror-like flat fields. This "black and white" appearance is the most prized look for Proof coins. Standard proofs lack this contrast, while DCAM examples can be worth 4–10x more. Early strike 1968-S Proofs often have weaker cameo contrast.
Should I clean my 1968 quarter before getting it graded?
Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with a soft cloth or water — destroys the original mint luster and leaves microscopic hairline scratches. Third-party graders (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) will identify cleaned coins and assign a "Details" grade, which can reduce market value by 50–70% compared to an original, problem-free example. Always submit coins in their original, unaltered condition.
Where did the 1968 quarter mintmark move to — and why?
In 1968, the U.S. Mint moved mintmarks from the reverse (tails side) of quarters to the obverse (heads side), just to the right of the ribbon tying Washington's ponytail. This change affected all denominations in 1968. The reason was a practical one: it gave die engravers more flexibility in the reverse design and made mintmarks easier to add to obverse working dies. This was the first time the Washington Quarter carried a mintmark in this position since the series began in 1932.
1968 Washington Quarter Research Methodology & Sources
Pricing and diagnostics in this guide are based on verified auction records and attributed die variety databases. All values reflect actual realized prices as of early 2025.
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1968-D 25C DDR FS-801 — primary source for Denver DDR diagnostics and population data
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1968-S 25C RPM FS-501 (Proof) — RPM diagnostics and census data
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1968-S 25C DCAM — Deep Cameo proof population and value data
- Variety Vista: 1968-D DDR-001 — die state diagnostics and reference photography
- GreatCollections: 1968-D DDR FS-801 Archive — realized auction prices for the Denver DDR
- GreatCollections: 1968-S Proof DCAM Archive — realized prices for S-Proof cameo coins
- NGC: Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling — technical reference for doubling identification methodology
- Coin World: Why a 1968-D Quarter Sold for $8,812.50 — auction record analysis for the FS-801
- Heritage Auctions: 1968-D Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet (MS63 PCGS) — wrong-planchet error pricing reference
- Variety Vista: Washington Quarter Reverse Design Varieties — RDV transition context for 1968 reverses
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.
