1967 Quarter Value: Is A Missing Mint Mark Rare?

Bill Taylor
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1967 Quarter Value: Is A Missing Mint Mark Rare?

Introduction

The 1967 quarter is a fascinating coin for collectors, especially when it appears to be missing a mint mark. You're probably wondering, "Is my 1967 quarter with no mint mark valuable?" The answer is a bit nuanced, and in this article, we'll explore the factors that determine the value of these coins. We'll dive into the history, production numbers, and what to look for to assess your coin's worth.

What Does "No Mint Mark" Mean?

Before we delve into the 1967 quarter specifically, let's clarify what a mint mark is and why it matters. A mint mark is a letter or symbol that indicates where a coin was produced. In the United States, quarters have been struck at various mints, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The absence of a mint mark typically means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Navy Vs. USF: Game Analysis & Predictions

The 1967 Quarter: A Transitional Year

1967 was a significant year for US coinage. It marked a transition from silver to clad coinage due to rising silver prices. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters, replacing it with a copper-nickel clad composition. This change is crucial to understanding the value of 1967 quarters.

Key Facts About the 1967 Quarter

  • Composition: Copper-nickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper)
  • Weight: 5.67 grams
  • Diameter: 24.3 mm
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Mint Marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D - starting in 1968)

Why No Mint Marks on 1967 Quarters?

All 1965, 1966, and 1967 quarters struck for general circulation lack mint marks. This was a deliberate decision by the US Mint to discourage coin collecting and hoarding during the transition from silver to clad coinage. The mint hoped that by removing mint marks, people would be less likely to save coins, ensuring enough coins remained in circulation.

Are 1967 Quarters with No Mint Mark Rare?

The short answer is no. 1967 quarters without mint marks are not rare. The Philadelphia Mint struck a massive 1,524,580,000 quarters in 1967. This high mintage means that these coins are readily available, and most examples are worth only their face value of 25 cents.

Factors Affecting Value

While most 1967 quarters are common, certain factors can increase their value:

  1. Condition: The condition of a coin is the most significant factor in determining its value. Coins in circulated condition (showing wear) are worth very little. However, uncirculated coins (those with no wear) can be worth a premium.
  2. Errors: Coins with minting errors are highly sought after by collectors. Errors can include doubled dies, off-center strikes, and other anomalies. We'll discuss errors in more detail later.
  3. Full Head Designation: For Washington quarters, a "Full Head" designation indicates that the hair details on Washington's head are fully struck and visible. This feature can add value, especially in higher grades.

Grading and Condition

To accurately assess the value of a 1967 quarter, it's essential to understand coin grading. Coin grading is the process of determining a coin's condition on a scale, typically from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, flawless coin.

Key Grading Terms

  • Uncirculated (MS): Coins that have never been in circulation and retain their original luster. Graded from MS-60 to MS-70.
  • About Uncirculated (AU): Coins with slight traces of wear on the highest points. Graded from AU-50 to AU-58.
  • Extremely Fine (EF): Coins with light wear on all devices. Graded EF-40 and EF-45.
  • Very Fine (VF): Coins with moderate wear. Graded VF-20, VF-25, VF-30, and VF-35.
  • Fine (F): Coins with considerable wear. Graded F-12 and F-15.
  • Very Good (VG): Coins with heavy wear but some detail remaining. Graded VG-8 and VG-10.
  • Good (G): Coins with significant wear and little detail. Graded G-4 and G-6.
  • Poor (P): Coins with extreme wear and almost no detail. Graded PO-1.

How to Grade a 1967 Quarter

  1. Examine the Luster: Uncirculated coins have a vibrant, original luster. Circulated coins will have a duller appearance.
  2. Check for Wear: Look for wear on the high points of the design, such as Washington's cheek, hair, and the eagle's feathers.
  3. Assess the Details: The sharper the details, the higher the grade. Full details, especially in the hair and feathers, are desirable.

Potential Errors to Look For

While standard 1967 quarters are not valuable, error coins can be worth significantly more. Here are some errors to look for:

  1. Doubled Die: A doubled die occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image. This can be visible on the date, mint mark (though 1967 quarters don't have mint marks), or other design elements. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for doubling.
  2. Off-Center Strike: An off-center strike happens when the coin is not perfectly aligned during striking, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off. The more off-center the strike, the more valuable the coin may be.
  3. Clipped Planchet: A clipped planchet occurs when a portion of the metal blank (planchet) is missing, resulting in a crescent-shaped piece missing from the coin. These errors are visually striking and can be valuable.
  4. Lamination Errors: Lamination errors occur when the layers of metal that make up the coin's planchet separate. This can result in peeling or flaking on the coin's surface.
  5. Struck Through Grease: If grease or debris gets between the die and the planchet during striking, it can obscure the design. Coins struck through grease may have weak or missing details.

Values of 1967 Quarters

Circulated 1967 Quarters

Most circulated 1967 quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents. Heavily worn examples may be worth even less.

Uncirculated 1967 Quarters

Uncirculated 1967 quarters in grades MS-60 to MS-63 may be worth between $1 and $5. Higher grades, such as MS-65 or better, can fetch $10 to $20 or more, especially if they have full head details.

Error 1967 Quarters

The value of error 1967 quarters varies widely depending on the type and severity of the error. Minor errors may be worth a few dollars, while significant errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Examples of Error Coin Values

  • Doubled Die: A 1967 quarter with a significant doubled die error could be worth $50 to $500 or more.
  • Off-Center Strike: A 1967 quarter with a moderate off-center strike (10-20% off) might be worth $20 to $100. A severely off-center strike (50% or more) could be worth several hundred dollars.
  • Clipped Planchet: A 1967 quarter with a clipped planchet might be worth $10 to $50, depending on the size of the clip.

Where to Sell Your 1967 Quarter

If you believe you have a valuable 1967 quarter, here are some options for selling it:

  1. Local Coin Dealers: A local coin dealer can assess your coin and make an offer. Get multiple appraisals to ensure you're getting a fair price.
  2. Coin Shows: Coin shows are events where collectors and dealers buy, sell, and trade coins. This can be a good place to find interested buyers.
  3. Online Auction Sites: Sites like eBay are popular for selling coins. Be sure to take clear photos and provide accurate descriptions.
  4. Professional Grading Services: If you have a potentially valuable coin, consider having it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Graded coins often sell for higher prices.

Caring for Your Coins

Properly caring for your coins is essential to preserve their value. Here are some tips:

  • Handle Coins by the Edges: Avoid touching the surfaces of coins, as oils from your skin can damage them.
  • Store Coins in Protective Holders: Use coin albums, sleeves, or capsules to protect coins from scratches and damage.
  • Avoid Cleaning Coins: Cleaning coins can damage their surfaces and reduce their value. If a coin is dirty, consult a professional numismatist for advice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Is a 1967 quarter with no mint mark made of silver?

No, 1967 quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition, not silver. The transition from silver to clad coinage occurred in 1965. Blazers Vs. Pelicans: A Complete History & Timeline

Q2: How many 1967 quarters were made?

The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,524,580,000 quarters in 1967.

Q3: What does "Full Head" mean on a quarter?

A "Full Head" designation on a Washington quarter indicates that the hair details on Washington's head are fully struck and visible. This feature can add value to the coin.

Q4: What is a doubled die error?

A doubled die error occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image. This can be visible on the date, mint mark, or other design elements.

Q5: Where can I sell my 1967 quarter?

You can sell your 1967 quarter to local coin dealers, at coin shows, on online auction sites, or through professional grading services. Eagles Vs Commanders Odds: Expert Betting Guide

Q6: How should I store my coins to protect their value?

Store coins in protective holders, such as coin albums, sleeves, or capsules, and handle them by the edges to avoid damage.

Conclusion

While most 1967 quarters with no mint mark are not particularly valuable due to their high mintage, understanding the factors that influence a coin's worth—such as condition and errors—can help you assess your coin collection. Keep an eye out for errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes, as these can significantly increase a coin's value. If you believe you have a valuable coin, seek an appraisal from a reputable coin dealer or consider professional grading. Happy coin hunting!

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