1962 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

1962 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $26,400. That record was a Grade 67 example sold through Heritage Auctions in March 2019. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range in no time. You can also scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what buyers are paying right now.

 

1962 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what your 1962 quarters are actually worth based on their condition and type, from regular circulation coins to rare proof varieties. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1962 Quarter Worth Money

The top auction results for 1962 quarters tell a story that every collector should understand before they buy or sell. At the very top, a 1962 Philadelphia MS-67+ sold at Heritage Auctions in March 2019 for $26,400—the all-time auction record for any business-strike 1962 quarter. The 1962-D in MS-67 is not far behind, last hitting $18,400 at Heritage in April 2012 during the famous George’s Army Collection sale.

That 1962-D result deserves a closer look. By December 2024, PCGS had graded only 5 examples at MS-67+ and NGC had certified just 9 at MS-67+, confirming just how tight the top of the population ladder truly is. The surface quality of Denver quarters from this era tends to be rougher than Philadelphia issues, which is precisely why superb examples command such outsized premiums when they do appear.

At the proof end of the market, the contrast between CAM and DCAM designations is striking. A PR-70 DCAM (Deep Cameo—meaning intense frosted devices over deeply mirrored fields) achieved $7,800, while a PR-70 standard proof sold for just $322 back in 2002. Even within DCAM, a single grade point makes a massive difference: that PR-70 at $7,800 versus a PR-68 DCAM at roughly $180 illustrates how mercilessly condition-sensitive this market is.

 

History of The 1962 Quarter and the Silver Era

The 1962 Washington quarter occupies a uniquely important place in American numismatic history. It was struck during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. coinage—a time of national coin shortages, industrial silver demand, and growing collector hoarding that would ultimately force Congress to change the composition of everyday coins forever.

The coin shortage that defined the early 1960s did not happen overnight. As far back as 1959, the Federal Reserve began rationing coins to banks. By the 1962 holiday shopping season, the shortage had become so severe that stores across the country urged customers to raid their piggy banks. The Mint responded by running around-the-clock production at both Philadelphia and Denver, yet demand continued to outpace supply.

The pressure was not just about volume—it was about silver itself. The price of silver on the open market was creeping toward the critical threshold of $1.38 per ounce, above which the metal in a quarter would be worth more than the coin’s 25-cent face value. Industrial demand for silver in photography, electrical contacts, and chemical manufacturing had doubled new silver production, creating an unavoidable squeeze on government reserves.

Congress responded with Public Law 88-36 on September 3, 1964, freezing coin dates at 1964 to discourage collectors from hoarding the “last year” of silver issues. It didn’t work. President Johnson ultimately signed the Coinage Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-81) on July 23, 1965, removing silver from dimes and quarters entirely. In his signing remarks, Johnson stated that silver consumption had grown to more than double new silver production each year, leaving no practical alternative.

The 1962 quarter—struck with John Flanagan’s Washington portrait design that had been in use since 1932—was thus part of the final generation of 90% silver quarters struck for everyday use. Flanagan, an American sculptor also known for the bronze “Manhattan” statue on the Manhattan Bridge in New York City, could not have imagined that his modest design would become a prized collectible simply because of the metal it was struck on.

From a minting perspective, 1962 was notable for sheer scale. Denver struck an enormous 127,554,756 quarters to meet circulation demands across the western United States, while Philadelphia produced a comparatively modest 36,156,000. Both mints also struck 3,218,019 proof sets for collectors—the only specially made coins that year, produced exclusively at Philadelphia.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1962 Quarter Rare?

For a complete picture of where any quarter stands in terms of rarity, you can check specific coins instantly using our Coin Identifier and Value App, which provides detailed rarity assessments alongside current values.

 

Key Features of The 1962 Quarter

John Flanagan was an American sculptor and medalist who earned the honor of designing Washington quarters in the early 1930s. The series launched in 1932, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter design. It is considered the longest-lived design in U.S. coinage history, surviving with only minor changes through 1998 and finally withdrawn from circulation in 2022.

The Obverse Of The 1962 Quarter

The obverse (front) features George Washington’s portrait facing left, with Flanagan’s subtly engraved initials (JF) at the neck truncation. The word LIBERTY arcs above the President’s head, and IN GOD WE TRUST appears in front of his neck. The date 1962 sits at the bottom of the obverse design.

For grading purposes, the cheek and hair above Washington’s left ear are the key wear indicators. On a fully uncirculated coin, these areas show crisp detail and original luster with no friction. Once wear begins, the high points of the hair flatten first, making it relatively straightforward to distinguish circulated from uncirculated examples.

The Reverse Of The 1962 Quarter

The reverse (back) shows a heraldic eagle in the center, gripping 13 arrows in its talons—one for each of the original 13 states. Olive branches beneath the eagle’s wings symbolize peace, and the combination of arrows and olive branches together represents the balance between military strength and peaceful intention.

The inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top, with E PLURIBUS UNUM below that. QUARTER DOLLAR wraps around the bottom. The mint mark, when present, appears just below the eagle on the reverse—a small “D” for Denver, or no mark at all for Philadelphia.

Other Features Of The 1962 Quarter

The 1962 Washington quarter is among the last silver coins before the U.S. Mint changed composition in 1965. Each coin weighs 6.25 grams (0.2009 troy ounces) and contains 5.623 grams of pure silver—90% of the total weight, with the remaining 10% being copper. The diameter is 24.3 mm (0.9567 inches), the reeded edge prevents coin alteration, and standard pieces measure 1.75 mm thick (0.0687 inches).

The silver content gives every circulated 1962 quarter a floor value based on the silver spot price, currently around $17 in melt value (with silver at approximately $94 per troy ounce as of early 2026). No matter the condition, a genuine 1962 quarter is always worth at least its silver weight—though any example in better condition is worth significantly more to collectors.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1962 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage and survival numbers behind 1962 quarters reveal some genuinely counterintuitive patterns. Denver struck a massive 127,554,756 quarters—more than three and a half times Philadelphia’s output of 36,156,000. Yet PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1962 Philadelphia issue is actually about twice as easy to find in Gem (MS-65) condition than the 1962-D, despite the lower mintage. Why? The enormous Denver output was largely spent in circulation without being saved, while a greater proportion of the smaller Philadelphia batch was set aside by collectors.

On top of that, PCGS specifically notes that 1962-D quarters tend to suffer from rough surfaces—marks and abrasions that push many examples below the Gem threshold—making truly clean Denver coins exceptionally scarce in high grades. This is a key insight that explains why the 1962-D actually outranks the Philadelphia issue in rarity despite having far more coins originally made.

The proof story is equally compelling. All three proof varieties—regular proof, CAM (Cameo), and DCAM (Deep Cameo)—started from the same 3,218,019 mintage. But their survival rates split dramatically. Regular proofs show roughly a 35.7% survival rate (~1.15 million), CAM examples drop to about 17.1% (~550,000), and DCAM quarters represent just 7.1% of the original proof run—around 230,000 coins. Of those, only a tiny fraction survive in top grades. PCGS recorded only one example at the absolute pinnacle of PR-70 DCAM as of the $7,800 Heritage sale in 2022.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1962 Quarter Value

Start by checking the reverse of the coin, just below the eagle. A small “D” means Denver; no mint mark means Philadelphia. Next, look at Washington’s cheek and hair under good light—an uncirculated coin shows no dull or flat areas and retains its original silver luster, while a circulated coin will show smooth, worn surfaces at the high points.

For proof coins, look for mirror-like fields (the flat background areas) that reflect like a polished surface. CAM (Cameo) proofs also show frosted lettering and devices that contrast against those mirror fields. DCAM (Deep Cameo) proofs take that contrast to an extreme—the devices look like white frosted glass against a perfectly black mirror. That black-and-white contrast is what collectors pay a premium for, and it’s visible to the naked eye on the best examples.

Skip the guesswork with our Coin Identifier and Value App—it instantly analyzes mint marks, wear patterns, and proof characteristics through one photo, providing accurate valuations in seconds.

 

1962 Quarter Value Guides

The 1962 quarter series divides into five collector-recognized types, each with its own rarity level and price range. Regular business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver represent the most common varieties, while the three proof types—standard proof, CAM, and DCAM—represent a specialized and increasingly competitive corner of the market.

Understanding the proof designations is essential before you buy or sell. CAM stands for Cameo, which means the raised design elements (called “devices”) have a frosted texture that visually pops against the mirror-like background fields. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo—a stronger, more dramatic version of that same contrast. Both PCGS and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) assign these designations only when a coin meets strict contrast requirements. Many proofs that otherwise grade highly simply don’t make the cut for CAM or DCAM, which is exactly why those examples are genuinely scarce.

MS stands for Mint State, the grading scale used for uncirculated business-strike coins, running from MS-60 (lowest uncirculated) to MS-70 (perfect). PR stands for Proof. Both scales are based on the Sheldon Scale, developed by Dr. William Sheldon and adopted by PCGS and NGC as the U.S. numismatic standard.

1962 Quarter Types

• 1962 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1962-D (Denver Mint)
• 1962 Proof (Philadelphia)
• 1962 CAM (Philadelphia)
• 1962 DCAM (Philadelphia)

 

1962 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1962 No Mint Mark quarter comes from the Philadelphia Mint, which by tradition did not place a mint mark on its coins until 1980. With a mintage of 36,156,000—less than a third of Denver’s output—this coin is actually more readily available in high grades than the Denver issue, because a larger percentage was saved by collectors at the time it was issued.

In lower circulated grades, these quarters are worth their silver melt value, currently around $17 based on a silver spot price near $94 per troy ounce. The real action starts above MS-65. According to PCGS price data, MS-65 examples trade around $22–$30, MS-66 coins jump to the $75–$150 range, and MS-67 grades reach roughly $2,000–$2,250. The all-time auction record belongs to the MS-67+ example that sold at Heritage Auctions on March 16, 2019, for $26,400—confirming just how dramatically condition drives value at the very top.

The auction records for 1962 No Mint Mark quarters reveal fascinating patterns in collector behavior and market evolution over the decades.

Current market activity shows exactly how today’s collectors view this key transition-year quarter.

1962 Type B Reverse Quarter Value (FS-901)

The 1962 Type B Reverse is one of the most significant die varieties in the entire Washington quarter series, catalogued as FS-901 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties—the standard reference book used by variety collectors. This variety features a distinctly different reverse die with altered eagle feather details and modified wing positioning that sets it apart from the standard 1962 reverse.

What makes this particularly exciting for modern collectors is that the variety was recognized relatively recently, meaning many examples almost certainly remain hiding in collections and even in old rolls. A Type B reverse example in MS-66+ sold on eBay for $1,500 in 2019, demonstrating solid market demand when correctly identified. Because most sellers and buyers don’t check for this variety, patient cherry-pickers (collectors who search through coins looking for overlooked varieties) have real upside potential here.

Auction records for the 1962 Type B Reverse reveal how the market has evolved since this variety gained recognition among serious collectors.

Current market activity demonstrates the growing awareness and demand for this distinctive die variety among Washington quarter specialists.

 

1962-D Quarter Value

The 1962-D is one of the most counterintuitive stories in Washington quarter collecting. Its mintage of 127,554,756 makes it the highest-production coin of the entire 1962 series—yet PCGS CoinFacts specifically flags it as one of the scarcer 1941–1964 silver Washington quarters in Gem condition. The reason comes down to surface quality: Denver quarters from this era characteristically show more marks and abrasions than Philadelphia issues, making truly clean examples extremely hard to find.

As of December 2024, the PCGS population at MS-67+ stood at just 5 coins, with NGC certifying only 9 at the same level. This is a remarkably thin population for a coin with over 127 million originally struck. The auction record of $18,400 (Heritage Auctions, April 2012, George’s Army Collection) reflects that scarcity at the top. More recently, a CAC-stickered MS-67+ sold through Stack’s Bowers in March 2021 for $5,280—illustrating how even the finest known examples can trade well below their peak prices as the population grows.

Auction records for 1962-D quarters show how high-mintage coins can still achieve significant values in top grades.

Market activity reflects strong collector interest in this paradoxically rare high-mintage Denver issue.

 

1962 Proof Quarter Value

The standard 1962 Proof quarter is the most accessible entry into 1962 proof collecting, with 3,218,019 originally struck at the Philadelphia Mint for inclusion in annual collector proof sets. These coins feature mirror-like fields and sharply struck details, but they lack the frosted device contrast required for CAM or DCAM status. With a survival rate of roughly 35.7%, about 1.15 million examples are estimated to exist today.

In PR-65 condition, these coins trade in the $10–$25 range. Values climb steeply in higher grades: PR-68 examples sell in the $100–$200 range, while the top grade of PR-70 produced a Heritage Auctions record of $322 back in 2002. Note that proof coin production for U.S. sets ran from 1950 through 1964, then paused during the coin shortage years before resuming in 1968—making the 1962 proof part of a continuous run of silver proof sets that collectors prize as a group.

Historical auction data reveals consistent collector appreciation for these well-preserved examples of 1960s proof craftsmanship.

Current market trends show steady demand from collectors building complete proof sets from the silver era.

 

1962 CAM Quarter Value

The 1962 CAM (Cameo) quarter earns its designation when the frosted lettering and raised design elements create meaningful contrast against the polished mirror-like background fields. This is an official grading designation from PCGS and NGC—not every proof qualifies, even if it otherwise grades at a high level. Starting from the same 3,218,019-coin mintage as the standard proof, only the coins with sufficient contrast earn the CAM label. With a survival rate of roughly 17.1%, approximately 550,000 CAM examples are estimated to exist.

The CAM designation shifts the value conversation noticeably. A PR-65 CAM example commands roughly $30–$50 compared to $10–$25 for a standard proof at the same grade. The premium grows in higher grades: PR-68 CAM examples sell in the $75–$150 range, while a Heritage Auctions sale in 2005 recorded a PR-69 CAM at $196. CAM quarters occupy the sweet spot for collectors who want something genuinely prettier than a standard proof but at a fraction of the DCAM price.

Auction performance data illustrates how contrast quality directly impacts collector demand and final hammer prices.

Market activity shows growing recognition of CAM quarters as the sweet spot between accessibility and genuine scarcity.

 

1962 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1962 DCAM (Deep Cameo) quarter is the crown jewel of 1962 proof collecting. DCAM means the frosted devices are intensely heavy, creating a dramatic black-and-white visual effect that collectors consider the gold standard of proof coinage. Only about 7.1% of the original 3,218,019 proof mintage is estimated to have achieved this designation—roughly 230,000 coins—and the population thins drastically in higher grades.

At the very top, the single PR-70 DCAM example confirmed by PCGS sold at Heritage Auctions on May 8, 2022, for $7,800—the all-time record for any 1962 quarter of any type in proof. The gap below that is steep: a PR-68 DCAM trades for around $150–$200, and the jump from PR-68 to PR-69 already represents a major premium. For advanced proof collectors, the 1962 DCAM in PR-69 or higher is considered one of the most desirable pre-1965 silver proof quarter targets, combining genuine scarcity with exceptional visual impact.

Auction records demonstrate how DCAM designation can multiply values dramatically compared to regular proof examples.

Current market dynamics show intense competition among advanced collectors for the finest DCAM specimens available.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1962 Quarter Error List

Error coins from 1962 are among the most exciting finds a collector can make, because they transform an ordinary quarter into a one-of-a-kind numismatic prize. These are genuine minting mistakes—things that happened inside the U.S. Mint during production—not post-mint damage. Authentic error coins command serious premiums when properly authenticated by PCGS or NGC.

1. 1962 DDO FS-101 Error

DDO stands for Doubled Die Obverse—a die-manufacturing error that occurs when the working die receives multiple impressions from the master hub at slightly different angles, permanently baking overlapping images into the die. Every coin struck from that die then carries the same doubled impression. The 1962 DDO FS-101 is the flagship variety of this type, catalogued in the Cherrypickers’ Guide and showing clear doubling most prominently on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and Washington’s hair and facial features.

The doubling is visible under a loupe (a small magnifying glass used by coin collectors) and creates unmistakable separation between the doubled design elements—making authentication relatively straightforward. This is meaningfully different from machine doubling, which produces a flat, shelf-like appearance with no genuine separation. A Heritage Auctions sale in 2016 recorded a 1962 MS-66+ DDO at $3,290, and a certified MS-66+ example has been listed as the top result for this variety. Values scale sharply with grade, and even lower mint state examples with strong doubling attract real collector attention.

 

2. 1962-D/D RPM FS-501 Error

RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark—an error from the hand-punching era when Denver Mint workers punched mint marks into each working die by hand. If the punch was applied more than once at slightly different positions, the result is a secondary “D” impression visible beside or beneath the primary mark. The 1962-D/D RPM FS-501 shows this characteristic offset, visible under 5x–10x magnification as a shadow or partial outline of a second “D” below the eagle.

This variety is historically significant as a direct artifact of pre-computerized minting. After modern laser technology replaced hand-punching, RPMs became impossible to create—which means every hand-punched RPM from this era is a genuine piece of minting history that can never be replicated. An eBay sale in 2021 recorded a 1962-D/D MS-65 RPM for $495. Authenticated examples in MS-65 and above are the most collectible, and the variety is well-documented enough that buyers and sellers both have solid pricing reference points.

3. 1962 Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error occurs when the metal strip used to punch out coin blanks is fed improperly through the blanking press, causing a blank to be punched partly over the hole left by a previously punched blank. The result is a coin with a curved or straight bite taken out of its edge. These errors are visible immediately—the coin will be missing a section of its rim, and the opposite side of the rim will be slightly raised (called the Blakesley effect).

For 1962 quarters, both Philadelphia and Denver examples with clipped planchets have been authenticated, with a notable 1962-D double clipped planchet combining both a clip error and an RPM. Clipped planchet quarters from this era typically sell in the $50–$200 range depending on the size of the clip and the overall grade, with dramatic double-clip examples attracting higher premiums from error specialists.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where To Sell Your 1962 Quarter?

When selling your 1962 quarter, the key is matching your coin’s value and your selling preferences to the right marketplace. Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are ideal for high-grade certified pieces—they reach the deep-pocketed specialist collectors who pay top dollar for MS-67+, PR-70 DCAM, or DDO examples. Coin dealers offer quick, hassle-free transactions at slightly below retail. Online platforms like eBay give you maximum reach for mid-range examples, though fees and time investment are real considerations.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1962 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1962 Quarter

1. What makes a 1962 Quarter rare in high grades?

Most 1962 quarters are common in circulated condition and worth their silver melt value of about $17. Rarity begins above MS-65 for Philadelphia coins and even sooner for Denver, because the 1962-D characteristically has rougher surfaces. As of December 2024, PCGS had graded only 5 examples of the 1962-D at MS-67+ and NGC just 9—a remarkably thin population for a coin with 127 million originally struck.

2. What is the most valuable 1962 Quarter ever sold?

The all-time record for any business-strike 1962 quarter belongs to a PCGS MS-67+ example that sold at Heritage Auctions on March 16, 2019, for $26,400. For proof coins, a PCGS PR-70 DCAM example sold at Heritage Auctions on May 8, 2022, for $7,800—the record for any 1962 proof quarter.

3. How much is a circulated 1962 Quarter worth?

A worn circulated 1962 quarter in Good to Fine condition is worth its silver melt value—roughly $6–$9 based on current silver prices near $94 per troy ounce, since the coin contains 0.18084 troy ounces of silver. In better circulated grades (Extremely Fine to AU), values rise to approximately $9–$15 before the mint state premium kicks in.

4. Is the 1962-D Quarter rarer than the 1962 Philadelphia Quarter?

Yes, paradoxically. Despite having over 127 million coined versus Philadelphia’s 36 million, the Denver issue is actually scarcer in Gem (MS-65) and higher grades. PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1962 Philadelphia is about twice as available as the 1962-D in Gem condition. Denver coins from this era consistently show rougher surfaces—marks and abrasions—that prevent many examples from reaching the Gem threshold.

5. What is the difference between a CAM and DCAM 1962 Quarter?

Both are proof designations assigned by PCGS and NGC (the two leading third-party grading companies). CAM (Cameo) means the raised design elements have a visible frosted texture that contrasts against the mirror-like background. DCAM (Deep Cameo) requires a stronger, more dramatic version of that contrast—effectively a bold black-and-white visual effect. DCAM examples are rarer (only ~230,000 estimated to survive vs. ~550,000 CAM) and worth significantly more at every grade level.

6. What is the 1962 DDO FS-101 and how do I spot it?

DDO stands for Doubled Die Obverse, listed as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties. It shows clear doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and Washington’s hair details—the result of the working die receiving multiple hub impressions at slightly different angles. Examine the coin under a loupe at 5x–10x magnification. Genuine doubling shows clear separation between the doubled elements; flat shelf-like doubling with no separation is machine doubling, which adds no value. A 1962 MS-66+ DDO sold at Heritage Auctions in 2016 for $3,290.

7. Why did the U.S. Mint stop making silver quarters after 1964?

President Johnson signed the Coinage Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-81) on July 23, 1965, eliminating silver from dimes and quarters entirely. The legislation responded to a nationwide coin shortage that had been building since 1959, driven by industrial silver demand and widespread hoarding. By 1962, the shortage was severe enough that the U.S. Mint ran around-the-clock shifts at Philadelphia and Denver just to keep pace. The law also reduced the silver content of half dollars from 90% to 40%, a transition completed entirely in 1970.

8. What is a 1962 Type B Reverse (FS-901) Quarter?

The 1962 Type B Reverse is a die variety catalogued as FS-901 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide, featuring a different reverse die with altered eagle feather details and modified wing positioning compared to the standard reverse. Because it was recognized relatively recently, many examples likely remain unidentified in collections. An MS-66+ example sold on eBay for $1,500 in 2019. Variety hunters willing to examine 1962 quarters carefully have a real opportunity to find overlooked specimens.

9. How do I tell if my 1962 Quarter is genuine silver?

All 1962 quarters are genuine 90% silver—no clad quarters were made until 1965. A simple check: look at the edge of the coin. Silver quarters show a uniform silver-white edge with no visible copper core stripe. Clad post-1964 quarters show a distinct copper-colored sandwich layer visible on the edge. A 1962 quarter also weighs exactly 6.25 grams; a precision kitchen scale accurate to 0.1 grams can confirm this in seconds.

10. Should I clean my 1962 Quarter before selling it?

Never clean a coin before selling it. Cleaning—even with gentle soap and water—removes the original surface patina and luster that graders and collectors rely on to assess authenticity and eye appeal. A cleaned coin receives a “details” or “cleaned” designation from PCGS or NGC, which can reduce its market value by 50% or more compared to an unclean example in the same grade. If your coin looks dirty or tarnished, simply place it in a soft coin flip and have it assessed by a professional—original surfaces, even with natural toning, are always preferred.