1964 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

If you’re holding a 1964 quarter, you’ve got something special in your hands.

Why? Because 1964 marks the end of an era – the last time the U.S. Mint produced quarters with 90% silver content for everyday circulation.

Starting in 1965, rising silver prices forced the mint to switch to cheaper copper-nickel clad coins, making these 1964 silver quarters increasingly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just discovered grandpa’s old coin jar, understanding the 1964 Quarter Value can reveal surprising treasures.

Some rare varieties have sold for thousands of dollars, while even common examples carry premiums above face value thanks to their silver content.

Let’s dive into what makes these coins valuable and how to identify the ones worth serious money.

 

1964 Quarter Value By variety

For clarity’s sake, we’re going to divide the 1964 Quarter Value into regulars (No mint & D mint mark) and collectibles (PR, CAM, DCAM, SP SMS).

*Tip: The 1964 SMS is graded SP (Specimen), not MS. Listed under MS for formatting only.

 

1964 Quarter Market Trend

Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand market sentiment. This chart tracks overall interest in 1964 quarters over the past decade – not just from collectors, but from investors, dealers, and everyday people checking grandpa’s coin jar.

These search trends serve as a real-time barometer of market demand, often predicting price movements before they happen. When interest spikes above 90k, it typically signals increased buying pressure and potential value appreciation ahead.

Want to see how 1964 quarters stack up against other coins? Check out the US Coin Market Trend Ranking (Top 100) to discover which coins are capturing the most collector attention right now.

 

History of the 1964 Silver Quarter

In the early days of hard currency, coins were made of gold or silver. Back then, the physical weight and melt value of these precious metal coins were equivalent to their face value. But over time, the mint found ways that were cheaper to produce. This allowed the mint to earn extra revenue through seignorage (the difference between production costs and face value).

That said, at certain times in history, metal prices would fluctuate and affect seignorage. It even led to the mint making a loss! To solve this, the mint would reduce expenses by cutting coin sizes or changing minting metals. This scenario played out in the early 1960s as silver prices hiked. Through the 1965 law, the mint switched to coins made of copper and nickel.

1964 was therefore a significant year because it was the final time that circulating coins were made of silver. But since citizens hoarded almost every new coin that was released, the mint got smart. Instead of making silver coins dated 1965 and 1966, all the silver pieces issued in those years claimed to be minted in 1964. Any and all 1965 and 1966 dates were cupronickel.

Today, people still collect quarters dated 1964 as ‘junk silver’. This means they use their 25c stacks as a form of layman’s bullion in case they ever need to melt them for fine silver. It’s a kind of apocalyptic stash for ordinary folk. But specific 1964 Quarters still have collector’s merit so they can be a sensible investment category. Let’s explore the most valuable pieces.

 

Is your 1964 quarter rare?

Not all 1964 quarters are created equal. While regular business strikes from Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) are relatively common with rarity scores of just 10 out of 100, special varieties command serious attention.

Proof quarters start common but become increasingly scarce with Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations, jumping to “Uncommon” status.

The real prize? The 1964 Special Strike SMS quarter – with a staggering 84/100 rarity score, it’s classified as “Mythic” and ranks #1 among all Washington quarters.

These experimental coins, produced in extremely limited quantities at San Francisco without mint marks, represent the holy grail for collectors.

Not sure which variety you have? Our CoinValueChecker app can help identify your 1964 quarter type instantly. Simply snap a photo, and our AI will detect mint marks, varieties. Download now and check your coins in seconds.

To discover other key dates and rarities in the Washington quarter series, explore the complete Washington Quarter Key Dates (Rarity Ranking) guide.

 

Key Features of the 1964 Silver Quarter

1964 Washington Quarters have reeded edges, with the edge being the thinnest side of the coin. The head side is called the obverse, while the tail side is the reverse.

The words on the coin are legends or mottos, while the images are devices. Most coins have a raised rim called a collar. These technical terms are quite useful in describing the features of the 1964 Quarter.

Obverse of the 1964 Quarter

It shows George Washington facing left with Liberty over his head and In God We Trust on the left side of the coin, underneath his chin. The designer’s initials, JF for John Flanagan, are towards the right of his neckline cut-off. The mint date is struck at the bottom of the coin.

Reverse of the 1964 Quarter

It shows an eagle with its wings spread out but pointing down. The bird has a bundle of arrows in its claws. An olive wreath curls under the eagle, touching both its wings.

The mint mark is below the mid-point of the olive wreath. The top of the coin reads United States of America with E Pluribus Unum above the bird’s head. The bottom reads Quarter Dollar.

Other Features of the 1964 Quarter

In 1964, all the Washington Quarters were still 90% Silver and 10% Copper. The copper served to harden the metal so it could mint better and last longer.

The coins weighed 6.3g and were 24.3mm in diameter (0.96”). And as we said, Silver Washington Quarters struck in 1965 and 1966 were also dated 1964 since the mint didn’t want people hoarding newer coins.

 

1964 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Beyond physical condition, mintage numbers and survival rates form the second pillar of coin valuation. While over 1.2 billion regular 1964 quarters were minted between Philadelphia and Denver, virtually all survived due to their silver content – people saved them rather than spending them.

In stark contrast, special varieties tell a different tale: only 44% of proof quarters survived in collectible condition, with Deep Cameo examples dropping to just 4.8% (190,000 coins).

The ultra-rare SMS quarters? Only 60 are known to exist from an unknown original mintage. This dramatic survival rate difference explains why a common 1964 quarter might be worth $6 for its silver, while an SMS specimen can command $20,000+.

Understanding these numbers is crucial for collectors hunting for valuable varieties. Curious how 1964 quarters rank among all Washington quarters by scarcity? Check out the Washington Quarter Survival Ranking (Top 100) to identify the rarest dates in the series.

 

1964 Quarter Grading

Coin grading is essential for determining your 1964 quarter’s value – the difference between a worn VG-8 and a pristine MS-67 can mean thousands of dollars. Professional grading uses a 70-point scale, from Poor (PO-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), with proof coins rated PR-60 to PR-70.

But here’s the thing: accurately grading coins requires experience and a trained eye. The easiest way? Download our CoinValueChecker app – simply scan your coin with your phone’s camera and get an instant grade estimate powered by AI. It’s like having a coin expert in your pocket.

Prefer to learn grading yourself? We’ve got you covered: How to Grade Washington Quarters.

 

1964 Quarter Value Guides

Understanding 1964 quarter values starts with identifying the main types:

Regular Business Strikes:

• No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• D Mint Mark (Denver)

Special Strikes:

• Proof (PR): Mirror-like finish, struck at Philadelphia without mint marks
• Cameo (CAM): Proofs with frosted devices against mirror fields
• Deep Cameo (DCAM): Maximum contrast, the ultimate proof quality
• Special Mint Set (SP/SMS): Experimental strikes with satin finish, extremely rare

Additional Varieties to Watch:

Beyond these main categories, 1964 Quarters had three reverse varieties – Types A, B, and C. You’ll sometimes see them listed as Type 1, 2, and 3. To spot the difference, you can compare the size of the gap between E and S in States and between the leaf and A in Dollar. There’s also a minor mule variety where a 1964 obverse goes with a 1965 reverse, but it’s not a particularly expensive error.

Identifying varieties can be time-consuming, especially when sorting through inherited collections or bulk purchases. While seasoned collectors can spot the difference between Cameos and Deep Cameos with proper lighting and magnification, why spend hours when technology can help?

Our CoinValueChecker app streamlines the process – snap a photo and instantly identify whether you have a regular proof, CAM, DCAM, or even error coins. Perfect for beginners discovering coins in pocket change, checking grandpa’s collection, or learning to spot valuable varieties.

1964 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

This is the ‘normal’ version of the coin, aka Type 1 or Type A. It’s the original design of the coin and has the smallest gap between E and S in States. In contrast, the coin has the biggest gap between the A in Dollar and the lowest leaf. In 1964, the mint made 560,390,585 coins in Philadelphia. They had no mint marks and included Silver Quarters from 1965 and 1966.

Still unsure about your 1964 no mint mark quarter value? The auction records below show actual selling prices, giving you a clearer picture of the current market.

Let’s also take a look at the 1964 no mint mark quarter’s Market Activity.

Market activity for 1964 no mint mark quarters (scored 0-100) has nearly tripled from its late 2024 baseline, with recent months showing sustained peaks that signal heightened collector demand and potential price appreciation ahead. To see how this activity compares to other Washington quarters, explore the Washington Quarter Market Activity Ranking (Top 100) for a complete market perspective.

1964 Type B Reverse Quarter Value (FS-901)

Type B or Type 2 Reverses have the widest gap between the E and S in States. Conversely, the A in Dollar and the lowest leaf are touching. It’s an easy design to recognise and can instantly be identified but it doesn’t cost a lot.

Here is the auction records.

 

1964-D Quarter Value

The Denver Mint struck a staggering 704,135,528 quarters in 1964 – the highest mintage in the entire silver Washington quarter series, more than five times larger than any other year except 1964 Philadelphia.

Yet despite this massive production, gem-quality survivors are surprisingly scarce. Of the estimated 70 million coins still in existence, only about 11,000 grade MS-65 or better. The highest known grade is MS-68, with just two specimens ever certified at this exceptional level.

This paradox – extremely common in quantity but rare in quality – suggests these coins weren’t made or handled with particular care despite their historic production numbers. The scarcity of high-grade examples creates the dramatic value differences between conditions.

1964-D Quarter auction records.

Let’s see the 1964-D quarter’s market activity.

1964-D Type C Reverse Quarter Value (FS-901)

Type C or Type 3 Reverses have a mid-sized gap between the E and S in States. At the bottom of the coin, the A and the leaf are almost touching but there’s still a visible gap. These Type C coins were only minted in Denver.

1964-D Type-C Reverse Quarter auction records.

 

1964 Proof Quarter Value

In 1964, Quarters were struck with mirrored proofs. This means the field of the die had a mirror-like polish while the device was frosted with an acid wash. Like all proof coins, the planchet was pre-burnished in a vat of stainless steel balls before striking. The coin is also struck with extra force to ensure design clarity. Deep Cameo coins have the greatest contrast.

This usually covers the first 50 to 100 coins. After that, the contrast between the field and the device starts to fade so later coins are Cameos. Eventually, the final coins exit the press as regular proofs. Usually, proof coins are made in San Francisco, but that branch was closed from 1955 to 1965, so 1964 Proof Quarters were made in Philadelphia without mint marks, They made 3,950,762 in total. 

1964 Proof Quarter auction records.

1964 Proof quarters’ market activity.

1964 Proof Cameo (CAM) Quarter Value

Cameo proof quarters feature strong contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields, making them significantly more desirable than regular proofs. While 3.9 million proof quarters were struck in 1964, only a fraction achieved the coveted Cameo designation. These eye-catching coins command substantial premiums, especially in higher grades where the contrast remains pristine.

1964 Proof Cameo Quarter auction records.

1964 Proof Cameo Quarter market activity.

1964 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM) Quarter Value

Deep Cameo represents the ultimate in proof quality – maximum frost on the devices against ultra-deep mirror fields. These spectacular coins typically came from the first 50-100 strikes before the dies began wearing. With only about 190,000 surviving from the original 3.9 million proofs, Deep Cameos are the pinnacle of 1964 proof collecting, commanding the highest premiums.

1964 Proof Deep Cameo Quarter auction records.

1964 Proof Deep Cameo Quarter market activity.

 

1964 Special Strike (SP) Quarter Value

From 1965 to 1967, coins wouldn’t have mint marks to allegedly discourage hoarding. Also, the mint didn’t plan on making proofs, so they prepped Special Mint Sets aka Special Strikes (SMS or SP) starting in 1964. They didn’t have time to pre-burnish the blanks so the results weren’t as shiny as proofs. And unlike proofs, SMS coins were only struck once at high force.

To differentiate them from proof coins, SMS coins had a satin finish on both the field and the device. In 1964, between 20 and 50 of these coins were made at the San Francisco Mint but none of them had mint marks. 

1964 Special Strike (SP) SMS Quarter auction records.

1964 Special Strike (SP) SMS Quarter market activity.

 

Rare 1964 Quarter Error List

While the process of minting coins is closely monitored, mistakes do happen. And these mint errors can significantly increase the 1964 Quarter Value.

So let’s look at a few common examples. Depending on condition, their price can range from hundreds to thousands. For this coin, First Strike errors (spotted within 30 days of release) are DDRs, DDOs, and RPMs.

1. 1964-D Repunched Mint Mark Errors (RPM FS-501 and FS-502)

Back in 1964, mint marks were hand-punched into dies – a process that sometimes required multiple strikes to achieve proper depth. When the second strike didn’t align perfectly with the first, it created what collectors call an RPM (Repunched Mint Mark). These appear as D/D – literally one D punched over another.

The 1964-D quarter has two recognized RPM varieties. FS-501 shows the secondary D shifted noticeably to the north, while FS-502 displays a different directional shift. Under magnification, you’ll spot telltale signs: doubled edges on the D, shadow-like remnants of the first strike, or portions of the letter appearing unusually thick.

While not as dramatic as doubled dies, RPMs attract dedicated variety collectors. In lower grades, premiums are modest. However, gem examples can command surprising prices – the combination of a common date with an uncommon variety creates an interesting dynamic in the marketplace. Check our value tables for current pricing across different grades.

2. 1964 Doubled Die Obverse Errors (DDO FS-101)

Doubled die errors occur during die creation when the hub strikes the die twice with slight misalignment. This creates a doubled image that transfers to every coin struck with that die.

Look for doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” – the letters appear thick or have distinct separation between the primary and secondary images. Unlike strike doubling, which affects individual coins randomly, DDOs are consistent across all coins from that die.

Both Philadelphia and Denver mints produced DDO varieties in 1964, making them popular targets for error collectors. The doubling ranges from subtle to dramatic, with stronger examples commanding higher premiums.

3. 1964 Doubled Die Reverse Errors (DDR FS-801 to FS-804)

DDRs mirror their obverse counterparts but affect the reverse die. The 1964 Quarter produced four distinct DDR varieties, making it unusual among Washington quarters. However, these are notoriously difficult to spot – the doubling typically appears on small design elements like feather details on the eagle or tiny portions of the lettering.

You’ll need strong magnification and good lighting to detect the subtle separation or thickness in affected areas. FS-801 shows the strongest doubling and commands the highest premiums, while FS-802 through 804 display progressively subtler effects. Many DDRs go unnoticed in dealer inventory, creating opportunities for sharp-eyed collectors.

4. 1964-D Quarter with 1965 Reverse

During the historic shift from silver to clad coinage, die mix-ups created fascinating transitional errors. The 1964/1965 mule pairs a 1964-dated obverse with the subtly redesigned 1965 reverse.

The key diagnostic? Examine the eagle’s breast feathers – the 1965 reverse shows sharper, more defined feather detail compared to the softer 1964 design. This happened when mint workers accidentally paired dies from different years during the chaotic transition period.

While not as valuable as other major errors, these mules represent a tangible piece of numismatic history – the exact moment American coinage changed forever.

Authentication requires careful comparison with known examples, as the differences are subtle but consistent.

Also read: 17 Most Valuable Quarter Errors Worth Money

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1964 Quarter Worth Money

Despite over 1.2 billion 1964 quarters minted, the top auction prices are dominated by just two categories. The record-holder at $38,400 is the sole MS-68 graded regular strike – proof that condition trumps everything in numismatics.

More remarkably, seven of the ten spots belong to SMS (Special Mint Set) quarters, those experimental satin-finish strikes with only 60 known examples from an unknown original mintage. Even in lower grades like SP-66 and SP-67, these ultra-rare SMS coins command $4,700 to $23,400.

The lone variety making the list is a Type C Reverse at #5, fetching $8,400. The takeaway? While common 1964 quarters trade for silver value, the right combination of grade, strike type, or variety can transform a pocket change date into a five-figure treasure.

Want to explore beyond 1964? Discover the 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarters Worth Money to find other dates that could be hiding in your collection.

 

Where to Sell Your 1964 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

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

 

FAQs About the 1964 Quarter

How Much is the 1964 Plain Quarter Worth?

A 1964 (P) Quarter graded MS 64 – that’s the silver business strike without a mint mark – was worth $7,188 in January 2004. Today, it’s $700. But two other coins may be mistaken for plain 1964 quarters because their mint marks were deliberately omitted. If you’re talking about the plain proof quarter, that’s the 1964 (S) Proof without a mint mark. A PR 68 was $1,150 in March 2006, the current estimate of a PR 70. But if you’re talking about the plain SMS quarter, that would be the 1964 (S) Special Strike Quarter which also lacks a mint mark. A sample graded SP 67 sold for a whopping $23,400 in February 2023. We’ve seen 13 so far.

What is Special About the 1964 Quarter?

It was the last year when circulating quarters were silver. After that, regular strike coins were minted in base metals, namely cupronickel. The 1964 Quarter was also the first year when the mint experimented with Special Strikes aka Special Mint Sets as a proof coin substitute.