In the history of American coinage, the 1964 Washington Quarter Proof represents an important date. It was the last of its kind in silver and represented an important evolution in the metal compositions used for US coins. The quarter experienced changes, as did the dime and half-dollar, as the price of silver increased. Although the half-dollar maintained to have some silver throughout the decade, the 1964 Washington Quarter Proof was among the last that had 90% silver. Because of its excellent design and historical value, collectors place a high value on this coin.
History 1964 Washington Modern Quarter
An important year for US coinage was 1964. At over 3.9 million Proof Sets traded, the US Mint set a record due to the amazing demand for the product. Collectors were nervous to get their 90% silver pieces, which were being taken out of circulation because of rising silver prices, contributing to the high demand. The Washington Quarter and other coins were made of copper and nickel after 1964, but some of these earlier silver quarters are now considered among the most valuable modern quarters.
Interesting among other things about the 1964 Proof Set is the first 90% silver Kennedy half-dollar that was minted in honor of the president who was murdered. Because of the set’s popular status and concerns about silver scarcity, silver coins—including the Washington Quarter—were heavily collected.
Specifications
- Country: United States of America
- Year of Issue: 1964
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar (25 cents)
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: 3,950,762 Proof sets
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
Design (Both Sides)
Obverse
The obverse (front) of the 1964 Washington Quarter shows a portrait of George Washington. It is designed by John Flanagan. Washington is facing left, and the design was inspired by a famous 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is written to Washington’s left, and the word “LIBERTY” appears over his head. Written under the image is the year “1964.”
Reverse
The back of the coin shows a royal eagle perched on a cluster of arrows, indicating might and preparation for battle. Peace is represented by the olive branches that surround the eagle. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are written above the eagle, and the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are written just below it. “QUARTER DOLLAR” is the denomination at the bottom of the reverse.
Errors
Despite the fact the 1964 Washington Quarter Proofs have been produced with extreme care, errors are made sometimes, which increases the coin’s value for collectors. Doubles because or duplicate portions of the design on the obverse or reverse, are common errors. Collectors value these rare and highly collectible coins, particularly when the error is visible without the need for magnification.
Rarity and Condition
In overall, the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter is not rare because approximately four million sets were made. On the other hand, rarer and more expensive coins include those that have been preserved in excellent condition or that show unique coveted features, like deep cameo frost. Especially popular are the Deep Cameo and Cameo types of this coin, which include a mirror-like background and frosted raised highlights.
Grading
A 1964 Proof Washington Quarter’s grade has an important effect on its value. Usually, coins are graded from 1 to 70, where 70 indicates a perfect coin with no visible errors. A large number of coins have grades in the Proof 67–69 range. Coins with Cameo or Deep Cameo features—that is, where the image looks frosted against a background of reflection—will trade for a higher price.
- Proof 67: $10 – $30
- Proof 69 Cameo: $50 – $75
- Proof 69 Deep Cameo: $200 – $300
Value of 1964 Washington Modern Quarter
The 1964 Washington Quarter has a real melt value that changes with silver prices due to its silver composition. The melt value of an ounce of gold for $16.65 is about $3.01. Numismatists, however, are prepared to pay higher for very well-preserved examples, especially for Cameo or Deep Cameo coins, which may sell for several hundred dollars. A perfect Proof 70 quarter may be sold for much to $300, whereas coins with small errors are valued lower.
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Conclusion
The 1964 Washington Quarter Proof is one of the last silver quarters and has an important place in American numismatic history. It is an interesting collectible because of its significance to the larger shift in American coinage, its excellent production quality, and the reality that it can be found in Cameo and Deep Cameo. The most common currency among collectors, the 1964 Washington Quarter is still valued for its elegance, historical value, and silver composition.