The Definitive Guide to 1966 Quarter Value

As a coin collector, you know that every coin tells a story. And few coins have a tale as fascinating as the 1966 Washington quarter. Minted during a time of upheaval in U.S. coinage, these quarters bridge the gap between the classic silver era and the modern clad era.

But what makes 1966 quarters truly special are the rare varieties and errors that emerged during this transitional period. Fortunes have been built on these coveted coins – a 1966 quarter struck on a silver planchet once sold for over $10,000!

In this ultimate guide, we‘ll equip you with the expert knowledge to identify, grade, and value every type of 1966 quarter. From the common clad coins in pocket change to the most valuable errors, you‘ll gain a deeper appreciation for these historic quarters and learn how to build a collection that will be the envy of collectors everywhere. Let‘s dive in!

The Story of the 1966 Quarter

To fully understand the 1966 quarter, we need to rewind to the early 1960s. The price of silver had been rising steadily for years, and by 1963, the intrinsic value of the silver in U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars exceeded their face value. The public began hoarding silver coins, creating a serious coin shortage.

In response, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965. This law removed silver entirely from dimes and quarters and reduced the silver content of half dollars from 90% to 40%. The Mint transitioned to a new "clad" composition – an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper.

The change was a shock to collectors, who had prized the classic 90% silver coins since the 1830s. Many saw clad coins as inferior and lifeless compared to silver. But as the Mint soon discovered, the transition was also a technological challenge.

The new clad planchets had different metallic properties than silver, requiring adjustments to the minting process. Dies had to be re-engraved to maintain details on the harder copper-nickel surface. These production hiccups set the stage for some spectacular error coins.

Adding to the intrigue, the Mint suspended mint marks on quarters and dimes from 1965 to 1967 in an effort to discourage collectors from removing coins from circulation. So all quarters minted in 1966, whether at the Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint, carried no mint mark.

Thus the 1966 quarter was born – a coin that embodies the end of one era and the beginning of another. A coin with no mint mark, but plenty of minting quirks. A coin largely overlooked by collectors at the time, but now recognized as a treasure trove of rare varieties and errors. Let‘s explore some of the most valuable.

Rare and Valuable 1966 Quarter Varieties

1966 SMS (Special Mint Set) Quarters

In 1966, the Mint replaced the usual proof set with a new product – the Special Mint Set. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint on polished dies, giving them a satin-like finish and sharp strike. While not quite as mirror-like as proofs, SMS coins are a definite step up from circulation strikes in terms of eye appeal.

The 1966 SMS quarter had a mintage of 2,261,583 – far lower than the circulation mintage of over 821 million. This relative scarcity, combined with the special strike, makes SMS quarters highly desirable to collectors.

On average, a 1966 SMS quarter graded SP67 by PCGS is worth around $55. In SP68, the value jumps to $150. And in perfect SP69, expect to pay $1,000 or more. Cameo and Deep Cameo designations, indicating strong contrast between the fields and devices, bring even higher premiums.

For comparison, a normal 1966 clad quarter in MS67 is worth about $15. So while not as rare as some error coins, high-grade SMS quarters are definitely a key part of any serious 1966 quarter collection.

1966 Quarter Struck on Silver Planchet

The holy grail of 1966 quarter errors is undoubtedly the silver transitional error. This occurs when a leftover 90% silver planchet from pre-1965 coinage was accidentally fed into the presses striking 1966 clad quarters.

The easiest diagnostic for a silver error is the weight – a silver quarter will weigh 6.25 grams, versus 5.67 grams for the clad version. The edge of a silver error will also be pure silver color, lacking the copper "sandwich" line of clad coins.

These errors are exceedingly rare, with only a handful known to exist. One graded MS64 by NGC sold for $10,575 in a 2006 Heritage auction. Even lower grade examples regularly bring four-figure prices.

Interestingly, while 1965 silver transitional errors are well-documented, some numismatic experts doubt the existence of genuine 1966 silver errors. The argument is that by 1966, any leftover silver planchets would have already been used.

But others point to the chaotic conditions of the Mint during this transition period, with clad and silver planchets being used concurrently in different denominations. A few silver stragglers could have easily slipped through the cracks.

Until a 1966 silver transitional quarter is unequivocally certified by a major grading service, the debate will continue. But the possibility, however remote, fuels the dreams of error coin hunters everywhere.

Double Die Obverse/Reverse

Double die errors occur when the hub imprints an image twice onto a die at slightly different angles. The resulting coins show doubling of letters, numbers, or design elements. The most sought-after double dies have strong doubling visible to the naked eye.

Several notable double die varieties exist for the 1966 quarter. The FS-101 DDO (Double Die Obverse) shows strong doubling on the lettering and date, especially on the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. A high-grade example sold for $2,300 in a 2019 auction.

The FS-801 DDR (Double Die Reverse) has clear doubling on the eagle‘s wing feathers and the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. One graded MS64 by PCGS brought $1,410 in 2020.

Lesser double dies with more subtle doubling can still bring solid premiums over regular strikes. Collectors prize these varieties for their naked-eye visibility and relative affordability compared to the mega-rare silver transitional errors.

Off-Center Strikes

An off-center coin occurs when the planchet is not properly centered on the dies during striking. The result is a coin with an incomplete design struck off-center, with a blank crescent on the opposite side.

The value of an off-center error depends on the magnitude of the misalignment. A 5-10% off-center might bring a small premium, while a 50% off-center with a full date is considered a major error worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

One of the most dramatic 1966 quarter off-centers is a piece struck 75% off-center, with a full date and no design visible on the back. It sold raw (ungraded) for over $400 in 2015. Off-centers beyond 50% are seldom seen; one struck 85% off-center with a partial date brought $2,875 in 2011.

Broad Strikes and Clips

A broad strike occurs when a coin is struck without the restraining collar die, causing the metal to flatten and spread. The design will be shallower and the coin will have an abnormally wide diameter. A 1966 broad strike graded MS63 sold for $201 in 2010.

Planchet clips are another eye-catching error. These crescent-shaped clips occur when the punches that cut planchets from the metal strips malfunction. Depending on the size and position, clips can range in value from $50 for a small edge clip to over $500 for a large clip intersecting the design.

Grading and Valuing Your 1966 Quarters

As we‘ve seen, the value of a 1966 quarter can range from face value to thousands of dollars, depending on its grade and variety. Let‘s break down the different levels of preservation and their effect on price.

Circulated Grades

Good (G-4): Heavily worn, but date and basic design elements are visible. Worth face value (25¢).
Very Good (VG-8): Less wear, all lettering and major features are distinct. Worth face value to $1 for common clad coins.
Fine (F-12): Moderate wear, design is bold, light wear on high points like Washington‘s hair and cheekbone. Worth face value to $2 for common clad coins.
Very Fine (VF-20): Light wear on high points, all features are very bold. Worth $1-3 for common clad coins.
Extremely Fine (EF-40 or XF-40): Only slight wear on highest points, strong overall detail. Worth $3-10 for common clad coins, more for better strikes and eye appeal.
About Uncirculated (AU-50/55/58): Trace wear on high points, nearly full luster. Worth $10-20 for common clad coins.

Uncirculated Grades

Mint State 60 (MS60/BU): No trace of wear, but may have many contact marks, nicks, or scratches. Luster may be impaired. Worth $5-10 for common clad coins.
Mint State 61-62 (MS61/MS62): No trace of wear, slightly fewer marks than MS60, decent luster. Worth $10-12 for common clad coins.
Mint State 63 (MS63/Choice BU): Strong luster, some marks but no major distractions. Worth $10-15 for common clad coins.
Mint State 64 (MS64/Choice BU or better): Full luster, minimal marks visible to the naked eye, above average eye appeal. Worth $15-30 for common clad coins.
Mint State 65 (MS65/Gem BU): Full original luster, very minor marks only visible with magnification, exceptional eye appeal. Worth $40-70 for common clad coins in this elite grade.

Top Grades and Superb Gems

Mint State 66 (MS66): Pristine, with full original luster, no visible contact marks or blemishes to the naked eye. 1966 clad quarters are surprisingly scarce in MS66 compared to other modern issues. Worth $60-100.
Mint State 67 (MS67): Virtually flawless, with original cartwheel luster and no imperfections visible outside of magnification. Only a small percentage of surviving 1966 quarters achieve this grade. Worth $250-400.
Mint State 68 (MS68): The pinnacle of perfection, with not a single flaw visible even under 5x magnification. Coins this well-preserved are extremely condition sensitive and few 1966 quarters make the cut. Expect to pay $1,000-1,500 for this ultimate quality.

Keep in mind, these prices are for regular clad business strikes without errors or varieties. Rare errors and SMS coins can be worth dramatically more in high grades.

The difference between a 1966 quarter in MS63 versus MS66 or higher can be hundreds of dollars. That‘s why many collectors opt to have their coins professionally graded by a third-party service like PCGS or NGC. A high grade from these respected authorities can mean the difference between an average coin and a showpiece.

Building a World-Class 1966 Quarter Collection

Now that you‘re armed with knowledge, how do you go about assembling a phenomenal set of 1966 quarters? Here are some expert tips:

Focus on quality. While it‘s tempting to amass as many coins as possible, a collection is often judged by its weakest link. A few superb gems will be more impressive and valuable than dozens of low-end coins. Buy the best you can afford.
Cherrypick for varieties. Learn the key diagnostics of the scarce double dies, repunched mint marks, and other varieties. Examine lots of coins at shows or shops, as these errors are often overlooked. Finding a rarity in a dealer‘s bargain bin is one of the great thrills of collecting.
Aim high on the condition census. Registry set collectors compete to build the finest sets on the PCGS and NGC online archives. To make an impact, you‘ll need superb gems in MS67 and up – an expensive goal for most. But even a single finest-known coin can put you on the map.
Be patient. Rare errors and condition rarities often come along once in a blue moon. Set alerts on auction sites, cultivate relationships with dealers, and be ready to pounce when a coin you need surfaces. The hunt is all part of the fun.
Store and handle with care. Slabbed coins are sonically sealed and largely protected, but raw coins are vulnerable to damage from careless handling or improper storage. Always hold coins by the edges, use inert holders like Mylar flips, and store in a cool, dry place to prevent spotting or toning.

Conclusion

The 1966 quarter may seem like a common coin at first glance, but as we‘ve seen, it holds remarkable opportunities for collectors. From the rare silver transitional errors to the exceptional SMS strikes to the coveted double dies, there‘s a treasure trove of varieties waiting to be discovered.

As you embark on your collecting journey, always be on the lookout for that special coin that will set your collection apart. With patience, persistence, and a discerning eye, you may find yourself holding a numismatic rarity that will be the centerpiece of your collection for generations.

So the next time you see a 1966 quarter, take a closer look. Hold it in your hand and imagine the history it‘s seen, the changes it represents, and the stories it could tell. That‘s the magic of coin collecting – the chance to own a small piece of the past that‘s also a key to the future.

Whether you‘re a seasoned pro or a novice, I hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue these fascinating coins. The 1966 quarter is waiting to reveal its secrets. Happy hunting!