1968 Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide & Varieties

1968 Washington Quarter: Modern Classic with Extreme Condition Rarity

The 1968 Washington Quarter features clad composition and marks the return of mint marks to U.S. coinage after a four-year hiatus.

The 1968 Washington Quarter represents a pivotal year in modern U.S. numismatics, marking the first restoration of mint marks to circulating coinage after a four-year absence. While over 322 million business strikes were produced across Philadelphia and Denver, the 1968 series exemplifies how condition rarity—not mintage figures—drives value in the modern clad era. Circulated examples trade at or near face value, but pristine MS-68 specimens can achieve nearly $10,000 at auction. This guide provides comprehensive analysis of business strike values, the rare Deep Cameo proofs, significant die varieties including the dramatic 1968-D DDR FS-801, and notable mint errors.

How to Identify Your 1968 Washington Quarter

The 1968 quarter features John Flanagan's classic Washington obverse (profile facing left) and heraldic eagle reverse design. Identifying your coin's mint and strike type is essential for accurate valuation.

Mint marks appear on the obverse for the first time in 1968, positioned to the right of Washington's braid.

Mint Mark Location and Diagnostics

The year 1968 marked a critical transition in U.S. coinage: mint marks were moved from their traditional reverse location (below the eagle's tail, used pre-1964) to the obverse of the coin. On 1968 Washington Quarters, the mint mark appears in the field to the right of Washington's braid, positioned just above the "8" in the date 1968.

• 1968 (Philadelphia): No mint mark. A blank space in the mint mark area indicates production at the Philadelphia Mint. With 220.7 million struck, this is the highest-mintage 1968 issue.
• 1968-D (Denver): Small "D" mint mark on obverse. Despite producing 101.5 million coins—the lowest mintage of any clad business strike Washington Quarter—this remains common in circulated grades.
• 1968-S (San Francisco): Small "S" mint mark on obverse. All 1968-S quarters are Proof strikes produced exclusively for collector sets. No 1968-S business strikes were made for circulation. Mintage: 3,041,506 proof coins.

Distinguishing Business Strikes from Proofs

Business strike quarters (1968-P and 1968-D) have a satiny, textured mint luster on both obverse and reverse. The devices and fields share the same finish. Proof coins (1968-S) are struck on specially prepared planchets with polished dies, creating deeply mirrored fields. The highest-quality proofs exhibit a "Cameo" or "Deep Cameo" effect where the devices (Washington's bust, eagle, lettering) have a contrasting frosty white appearance.

Composition and Physical Characteristics

All 1968 quarters are composed of copper-nickel clad: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This creates an overall metallic content of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The coins weigh 5.67 grams, measure 24.30 millimeters in diameter, and feature a reeded edge with 119 reeds. The hard cupro-nickel clad surface resists wear but is prone to contact marks, making high-grade survivors exceptionally scarce.

1968 Washington Quarter Value Guide by Mint and Grade

Values for 1968 Washington Quarters follow an extreme "hockey stick" pattern: circulated examples are worth essentially face value, while pristine top-grade specimens command thousands. The hard clad composition and high-speed production methods resulted in most coins being "baggy" (marked from contact with other coins during the minting process), making condition the primary driver of value.

Grade dramatically affects value—from $0.30 in circulated grades to $9,400 for MS-68 specimens.

1968-P Washington Quarter (Philadelphia, No Mint Mark)

Mintage: 220,731,500 business strikes

The 1968-P is extremely common in all circulated grades and readily available through MS-65. It becomes genuinely scarce in MS-66 and rare in MS-67. Top-population MS-68 coins are exceptionally rare, with PCGS reporting only 11 examples certified as of November 2025. A PCGS MS-68 sold for $9,400(PCGS CoinFacts), while NGC prices the same grade at $700—illustrating significant market variation at the very top of the population.

Source: NGC Coin Explorer and PCGS CoinFacts, November 2025.

1968-D Washington Quarter (Denver Mint)

Mintage: 101,534,000 business strikes

The 1968-D carries the distinction of being the lowest-mintage clad business strike Washington Quarter ever produced (1965-1998 series). However, in absolute terms, 101 million coins is still a massive quantity, meaning the issue is readily available and carries no premium in circulated condition. This "low mintage" status only translates to value in the highest uncirculated grades (MS-67 and above), where it results in a smaller pool of potential pristine survivors compared to the 1968-P. PCGS notes "less than a dozen examples" exist in MS-68, explaining the $8,813 auction record (PCGS CoinFacts) for this grade.

Source: NGC Coin Explorer and PCGS CoinFacts, November 2025.

1968-S Washington Quarter (San Francisco Proof)

Mintage: 3,041,506 proof strikes (no business strikes produced)

Deep Cameo designation can increase a PR-69 value from $17 to $2,500.

The 1968-S proof quarters represent the first proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint after a four-year hiatus (1965-1967). The market for these coins is dramatically stratified based on the quality of contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices. The San Francisco Mint aggressively polished its dies to create deep mirrors, but this process quickly wore down the devices, eliminating the prized "Cameo" effect. Consequently, only coins struck from the earliest impressions of a new die pair achieved the Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish, making them exceptionally rare and valuable.

Source: NGC Coin Explorer and PCGS CoinFacts, November 2025.

Notable Auction Records:

• 1968-S PR-69 (standard): $460(February 2005, PCGS)
• 1968-S PR-69 DCAM: $2,875(November 2007, PCGS)

Grading 1968 Washington Quarters: Key Diagnostics

Accurate grading is critical for 1968 quarters, as the difference between MS-66 and MS-68 can represent a 100x value increase. Clad composition presents unique grading challenges: the hard cupro-nickel surface resists wear but is highly susceptible to contact marks, and strike quality varies significantly even within the same grade level.

Contact marks on Washington's cheek severely limit grade potential in clad quarters.

Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58)

When evaluating wear on circulated 1968 quarters, examine the highest points of the design where friction first removes mint luster and smooths details:

Obverse high points: Washington's cheekbone and the hair curls directly above his ear show wear first. In lower grades (G-4 to VG-8), these areas become smooth and flat. By Fine-12, details in the hair are partially visible but soft. In Extra Fine grades, most hair detail is present but may lack sharp definition.

Reverse high points: The eagle's breast and the upper portion of its legs (where they meet the body) are the first areas to show wear. In About Uncirculated grades (AU-50 to AU-58), these areas will show slight friction or a dulling of luster, but all design details remain sharp.

Market Reality: For 1968 business strikes, circulated coins (G-4 through AU-58) trade at or near face value ($0.30 to $1.00) regardless of grade. Precise grading distinctions within circulated grades have no practical market impact for this issue.

Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70)

Grading uncirculated clad quarters is less about strike sharpness and almost entirely about the presence or absence of contact marks and the quality of mint luster. The following focal areas are critical:

Key focal areas: Washington's cheek and the open field in front of his face are the primary grading surfaces. Any "bag marks" (small nicks, scratches, or abrasions from contact with other coins) in these areas will severely limit the maximum grade. For a coin to grade MS-67 or higher, these areas must be virtually mark-free.

Luster quality: Top-grade specimens (MS-67+) must exhibit full, brilliant "cartwheel" mint luster—a rotating band of light that appears to roll across the coin's surface when tilted. Dull, muted, or "flat" luster indicates the coin has been cleaned or improperly stored, rendering it commercially ungradeable.

Strike quality: The hard clad composition and high-speed production methods often resulted in weak strikes. Look for full definition in Washington's hair details and the eagle's feathers. However, strike weakness is secondary to surface preservation in determining grade—an MS-68 coin with a slightly weak strike will still command premium prices if the surfaces are pristine.

Proof Grades (PR-60 through PR-70)

Proof coins have deeply mirrored fields and should show no signs of circulation. Grading focuses on:

Surface preservation: Proof surfaces are the most delicate in numismatics. Even microscopic hairline scratches from wiping or improper handling will show prominently under magnification and limit the grade. PR-69 proofs must be virtually flawless under 5x magnification.

Cameo contrast: For coins designated Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM), evaluate the level of frosty white contrast on the devices (Washington's bust, eagle, lettering) against the mirrored fields. A DCAM proof shows strong, unbroken contrast with deep black mirrors. Aggressive die polishing at the San Francisco Mint made this effect short-lived, so DCAM proofs are rare.

Strike quality: All proof coins should exhibit sharp, well-defined strikes. Check for full detail in Washington's hair and the eagle's feathers. Incomplete strikes are uncommon but can occur, particularly on early or late die states.

1968 Washington Quarter Die Varieties

The 1968 quarter series includes several significant die varieties, ranging from dramatic doubled dies to subtle reverse design mismatches. Most are found on the proof 1968-S issues, reflecting looser quality control at the San Francisco Mint during its first year back in production after a four-year hiatus.

The 1968-D DDR FS-801 exhibits dramatic doubling on all reverse lettering, most prominent on E PLURIBUS UNUM.

1968-D Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) — FS-801

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-801 (CONECA: DDR-001; Variety Vista: 1968-D DDR-001)

Strike Type: Business Strike

Significance: This is the most valuable and dramatic 1968 variety. It's a major Class I doubled die showing very strong spread (doubling) on all reverse lettering. The variety is easily visible with the naked eye, making it accessible to collectors at all levels.

Attribution Diagnostics:

• Strong doubling is most prominent on E PLURIBUS UNUM, visible as a clear separation of letters
• Doubling is also clearly visible on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• Additional doubling appears on QUARTER DOLLAR
• Leaves, branches, and wing tips show secondary doubling

Market Analysis: This variety commands significant premiums even in heavily circulated grades. The fact that a VF-30 example retails for $400 confirms its rarity—most doubled dies lose value dramatically in lower grades. The variety was released into circulation and discovered by the public, meaning uncirculated examples are exceptionally rare.

1968-S Proof Die Varieties (Multiple)

The 1968-S proof mintage includes numerous varieties, all specific to proof strikes. These reflect quality control issues during San Francisco's first year back in proof production.

1. 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — FS-101

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-101 (Variety Vista: 1968-S DDO-001)

Diagnostics: Clear doubling visible on the obverse motto IN GOD WE TRUST and on LIBERTY. A PCGS PR-67 example sold for $450(February 2015, PCGS).

2. 1968-S Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) — FS-801

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-801 (Variety Vista: 1968-S DDR-001)

Diagnostics: Similar to the 1968-D DDR, showing clear doubling on reverse lettering. A PCGS PR-66 example sold for $137.50(February 2013, GreatCollections).

3. 1968-S Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) — FS-501

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-501 (Variety Vista: 1968-S RPM-004)

Diagnostics: A clear "S" mint mark punched over another "S," with the underlying mint mark visible to the North (above) the primary "S." A PR-67 example sold for $385(June 2019, PCGS), while a PR-68 brought $192.

4. 1968-S Type E Reverse (RDV) — FS-901

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-901 (RDV-005)

Type: Reverse Design Variety—a die intended for business strikes was improperly used to strike proof coins

Diagnostics: Compared to a normal 1968-S proof: (1) E PLURIBUS UNUM appears in higher relief but is thinner; (2) The far left leaf next to the arrowheads is weak, pointed, and narrow; (3) The top two arrow tips are quite far apart from the leaf above them. A scarce variety with auction records ranging from $118 to $256 for PR-67 and PR-68 grades (GreatCollections, multiple auctions). A top-population PR-69 has a retail offering of $4,500.

5. 1968-S Type F Reverse (RDV) — FS-902

System: Fivaz-Stanton FS-902 (RDV-006)

Type: Another reverse design mismatch

Diagnostics: Primary identifiers include a "pointed leaf with doubling" and a "far left leaf shorter than others." A retail offering for a PR-67 example is listed at $299(eBay listing).

1968 Washington Quarter Mint Errors

Error coins are unique by nature, and their values are determined by the type, severity, and visual appeal of the error. The 1968 series includes several dramatic errors, with proof errors being exceptionally rare and valuable due to the higher quality control standards supposed to be applied during proof production.

Lamination errors occur when the outer copper-nickel layer separates from the pure copper core.

Off-Metal / Wrong Planchet Errors

These major errors occur when a coin is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination. They represent significant breakdowns in the minting process.

1968-S 25¢ Struck on 1¢ Planchet (Proof)

A 1968-S proof quarter (should weigh 5.67g, clad composition) was struck on a 1968-S Lincoln Cent planchet (weighs 3.11g, bronze composition). This is a major error, especially rare for a proof coin that should have undergone multiple quality checks. An NGC-certified PR-63 example has a retail price of $7,995(eBay listing, NGC PR-63).

1968-D 25¢ Struck on Silver Dime Planchet

A unique 1968-D quarter (should be clad) was discovered struck on a 90% silver dime planchet from 1966 or earlier. This is a "transitional" error, as silver planchets should not have been present at the Denver Mint in 1968—silver coinage ended in 1964 for dimes and quarters. This PCGS-graded coin has not been auctioned publicly, but its value would be in the many thousands of dollars due to its unique status.

Off-Center Strikes

This error occurs when the planchet is not properly seated in the collar during the strike, leaving part of the coin design missing. The percentage off-center and the amount of date visibility determine value.

1968 25¢ Struck 60% Off-Center (Business Strike)

A dramatic business strike error where 60% of the coin design is missing. A PCGS MS-63 example was offered at a Heritage auction in January 2022. Major off-center errors in Mint State typically sell for several hundred to over one thousand dollars, depending on the dramatic nature of the strike and date visibility.

(1968-S) 25¢ Double Struck, Both Strikes Off-Center (Proof)

Described as "dramatic" and "most unusual," this proof error coin was struck 25% off-center, failed to eject from the press, and was then struck a second time 30% off-center (Heritage Auctions listing). Such a complex and severe error on a proof coin would be a major rarity, likely valued at $5,000-$10,000 or more based on comparable multi-strike proof errors.

Broadstrikes

A broadstrike occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar. This causes the metal to "spread out" or flatten during the strike, resulting in a coin that is larger in diameter than normal and has a plain (non-reeded) edge instead of the standard 119 reeds.

Value Range: Minor broadstrikes are relatively common. A circulated 1968 broadstrike might be worth $20-$50, while uncirculated or more dramatic examples (significantly larger diameter, unusual shape) can reach $100 or more.

Lamination Errors (Clad-Specific)

Lamination errors are specific to clad coins and result from flaws in the bonding process between the outer copper-nickel layers and the pure copper core. These errors cause pieces of the outer layer to flake, peel, or crack, often revealing the reddish copper core underneath.

Value Range: Minor lamination cracks or small flakes are relatively common and add minimal value ($5-$15). A major "peel" where a large flap of the clad layer is detached, or a "retained lamination" where the flap remains attached to the coin, can be worth $50-$150 or more depending on severity and visual appeal.

Authenticating and Detecting Problem 1968 Quarters

Hairline scratches from cleaning destroy a coin's numismatic value—never clean your coins.

For 1968 Washington Quarters, authentication concerns focus primarily on detecting altered coins and identifying damage that destroys numismatic value. The primary risks are cleaned coins and simulated varieties, not outright counterfeiting.

Cleaned Coins: A "problem" coin that has been cleaned, polished, or improperly stored is considered ungradeable by professional services like PCGS and NGC. For 1968 business strikes, which have no value in circulated grades, cleaning permanently destroys 100% of potential numismatic value. A coin that could have been worth $9,400 in MS-68 becomes worth only face value ($0.30) the moment it is improperly cleaned. Cleaned coins exhibit fine, parallel scratches ("hairlines") across the fields, often in a circular pattern from wiping. "Whizzed" coins have been polished with a high-speed rotary tool and display an unnaturally bright, "slick" surface with visible radial scratches. Chemically dipped coins may appear "lifeless" or have muted, dull luster. If you suspect cleaning, use magnification (10x loupe minimum) to examine the fields under raking light—hairlines will become apparent.

Altered Mint Marks: An unscrupulous seller might attempt to add a "D" mint mark to a 1968-P coin to simulate the lower-mintage Denver strike. Under magnification, an added mint mark will show tooling marks, uneven edges, or a different texture than the surrounding field. The mint mark should appear as an integral part of the coin's surface, not applied afterward. Professional certification eliminates this concern—both PCGS and NGC authenticate mint marks as part of their grading process.

Machine Doubling vs. True Doubled Dies: Machine doubling (also called "shelf doubling") is a common form of die damage often mistaken for valuable doubled die varieties. Machine doubling appears as a "shelf-like" secondary image caused by die bounce during the striking process. It lacks the rounded, fully formed separation of letters and devices seen in true doubled dies. The 1968-D DDR FS-801 is a true doubled die—the doubling is part of the die itself and shows clear, rounded, separated images. Reference photos from Variety Vista or the Cherrypickers' Guide are essential for proper attribution. When in doubt, submit questionable varieties to PCGS or NGC for authentication and variety designation.

Professional Certification: If you believe you have a 1968 quarter in MS-67 or higher, a 1968-S proof in PR-68 DCAM or higher, or any significant variety or error, professional certification is strongly recommended. The $30-40 grading fee is minimal compared to the potential value increase from third-party authentication and encapsulation. Certified coins also sell more readily and command higher prices in the marketplace because buyers trust the professional assessment.

Proper Storage and Preservation of 1968 Quarters

Proper preservation is essential to maintain—or potentially unlock—the value of 1968 Washington Quarters, particularly uncirculated and proof examples where condition is the primary determinant of value.

Circulated and Variety Coins: Store circulated examples and die variety coins in inert, non-PVC 2x2 cardboard or Mylar flips. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flips, commonly sold at coin shops, contain plasticizers that migrate to the coin's surface over time, leaving a greenish, oily residue that permanently damages the coin. Mylar-based flips are archival quality and will not react with the coin's metal. Write the date, mint mark, grade estimate, and any variety information on the flip's paper insert for easy identification.

Uncirculated (Mint State) Coins: Coins valued for their pristine surfaces (MS-66 and higher) should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for professional grading and encapsulation. Once "slabbed" in their tamper-evident, inert plastic holders, coins are protected from environmental damage, handling, and accidental contact. Do not attempt to store raw (uncertified) high-grade coins in albums or folders—even the sliding action of inserting or removing the coin can cause microscopic scratches that downgrade the coin. If you must store raw uncirculated coins temporarily, use individual airtight capsules and never touch the coin's surfaces with bare hands—use cotton gloves or hold the coin by its edge only.

Proof Coins: Proof surfaces are the most delicate in all of numismatics. A single wipe with a cloth—even a "soft" one—will create microscopic hairlines that show prominently under magnification and destroy the coin's mirror finish. Never remove a proof coin from its original U.S. Mint packaging (the sealed lens or capsule) unless you are submitting it for professional grading. Once certified and slabbed, keep the holder sealed and store it upright in a coin box or safe. Avoid exposing proof coins to temperature extremes, high humidity, or direct sunlight, as these can cause toning or spotting over time.

Environmental Considerations: Store all coins in a cool, dry environment with stable temperature and low humidity. Avoid storing coins in basements (prone to dampness), attics (temperature fluctuations), or near heat sources. Silica gel packets in storage containers help control moisture. Never store coins in PVC flips, vinyl albums, or any holder marked "plasticized" or "flexible." When in doubt, use archival-quality supplies certified safe for long-term coin storage.

Recent Auction Results for 1968 Washington Quarters

Public auction records provide the most reliable real-world pricing data for rare coins and high-grade examples. The following results illustrate the dramatic premiums commanded by top-condition 1968 quarters and significant varieties.

Business Strike Auction Records:

• 1968-P MS-68 (PCGS):$9,400 — Reported by PCGS CoinFacts. This exceptional result reflects the extreme rarity of pristine clad quarters free of contact marks.
• 1968-D MS-68 (PCGS):$8,813 — Cited by PCGS CoinFacts. With fewer than a dozen MS-68 examples certified, each auction appearance generates strong bidding.

Proof Auction Records:

• 1968-S PR-69 Deep Cameo (PCGS):$2,875 — Sold November 2007 (PCGS). The rarity of the DCAM designation on early San Francisco proofs drives this premium.
• 1968-S PR-69 Standard Proof (PCGS):$460 — Sold February 2005 (PCGS). Even without the DCAM designation, top-grade proofs command multiples of retail guide prices.

Variety Auction Records:

• 1968-D DDR FS-801, MS-66:$2,846 — Sold January 2023 (GreatCollections). This dramatic doubled die is the most sought-after 1968 variety.
• 1968-S RPM FS-501, PR-67:$385 — Sold June 2019 (PCGS). Repunched mint marks on proofs appeal to specialist collectors.
• 1968-S DDO FS-101, PR-67:$450 — Sold February 2015 (PCGS). Obverse doubled dies are rarer than reverse varieties for Washington Quarters.

These results demonstrate that the 1968 quarter market is driven by condition rarity for business strikes, contrast quality (DCAM) for proofs, and dramatic die diagnostics for varieties. Auction prices often exceed published price guide values, particularly for coins at the top of the population reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Price Guide Methodology and Sources

This comprehensive value guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative numismatic sources to provide the most accurate and current pricing information available. Primary sources include the PCGS CoinFacts Price Guide, NGC Coin Explorer, and GreatCollections realized auction prices. All values reflect November 2025 market conditions. Where multiple sources provide pricing, both are listed to illustrate market variation, particularly at top population levels where few transactions occur.

Mintage figures are sourced from the U.S. Mint's official production reports as compiled by PCGS and NGC. Die variety attributions follow the Fivaz-Stanton numbering system (FS) and cross-reference CONECA designations and Variety Vista diagnostics. Auction records are cited with source and date to provide transparent, verifiable pricing data. Error coin valuations represent typical retail ranges based on type and severity, as individual error coins are unique and may command premiums based on visual appeal and collector interest.

This guide focuses exclusively on market data and technical specifications documented in cited sources. All physical characteristics, composition data, and grading diagnostics are derived from U.S. Mint specifications and professional grading service standards. Market fluctuations are inherent in numismatics—prices may vary based on market conditions, individual coin quality, and buyer/seller dynamics. For high-value coins, consultation with professional numismatists and recent auction comps is recommended before transactions.