Many people collect coins, and some quarters are more valuable than others. If you have the 1964, 1970-D, or 1996-W quarters in your collection, you might have something special! These quarters are sought after by collectors because of their unique features. In this article, we will explore what makes these coins special and how you can tell if you have one of them.
1964 Quarter: A Classic Silver Coin
The 1964 quarter is famous because it is made from 90% silver. This was the last year that U.S. quarters were made with this high silver content. After 1964, quarters switched to a copper-nickel composition. Because of its silver content, the 1964 quarter is valuable, especially for those who want to own a piece of history. If you have a 1964 quarter, make sure to check its condition—coins that are in better shape are worth more.
1970-D Quarter: The Rare Find
The 1970-D quarter is considered rare by collectors. Although many were made, the minting process at the time caused some of the quarters to have a slight flaw. Some 1970-D quarters have no mint mark, which makes them harder to find. These quarters are highly desired by coin collectors. If you find a 1970-D quarter in your change, it might be worth more than face value.
1996-W Quarter: A Special Issue
The 1996-W quarter is special because it was made to celebrate the 50 states program. In 1996, the U.S. Mint produced a small number of quarters with a “W” mint mark, indicating they were struck at the West Point Mint. These coins were not released into circulation but were sold in special sets. If you have a 1996-W quarter, it could be very valuable, especially if it’s in good condition.
| Coin | Year | Key Feature | Reason for Rarity | Value Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Quarter | 1964 | 90% Silver Content | Last year of silver quarters | High silver content, condition, and historical value |
| 1970-D Quarter | 1970 | Missing or unclear “D” mintmark in some coins | Minting error with unclear or missing mintmark | Rare minting error, collector demand |
| 1996-W Quarter | 1996 | “W” mintmark from West Point Mint | Minted in limited quantities, only sold in proof sets | Limited edition, low mintage, special release for proof sets |
How to Tell If You Have a Valuable Quarter
To check if your quarters are worth more than face value, look for these things:
- The Year: The 1964, 1970-D, and 1996-W quarters are special because of the year they were minted.
- The Mint Mark: Check the back of the coin to find the mint mark. The 1970-D quarter should have a “D” on the back, and the 1996-W quarter should have a “W.”
- Condition: The better the condition, the more the coin is worth. Look for coins that are not worn out, scratched, or damaged.
Why Are These Quarters Valuable?
These quarters are valuable for several reasons:
- Rarity: Not many of these coins were made or they were made with special features, which makes them rare.
- Collector Demand: People who collect coins are willing to pay more for these quarters.
- Historical Significance: These coins reflect certain moments in U.S. history, making them interesting to collectors.
FAQs
What makes the 1964 quarter so valuable?
The 1964 quarter is valuable because it was made with 90% silver, which makes it worth more than its face value. This was the last year U.S. quarters were made with this high silver content, making it a rare and historically significant coin.
How can I tell if my 1970-D quarter is rare?
The 1970-D quarter is rare because some of the coins minted that year have a flaw, where the “D” mintmark is missing or unclear. These are harder to find and are highly sought after by collectors. To confirm, check the mintmark location and condition of the coin.
What is the special feature of the 1996-W quarter?
The 1996-W quarter is rare because it was minted in limited quantities at the West Point Mint and only sold in special proof sets, not released for general circulation. If you find one, it is worth more due to its scarcity and unique minting process.
How do I know if my quarter is a 1964, 1970-D, or 1996-W?
To identify your coin:
For the 1964 quarter, check if it has a “1964” date and is made of 90% silver.
The 1970-D quarter has a “D” mintmark located on the reverse side.
The 1996-W quarter will have a “W” mintmark on the reverse and should be in a proof set.
Are 1964, 1970-D, and 1996-W quarters worth more than face value?
Yes, these quarters are worth more than their face value. The 1964 quarter is worth more due to its silver content, while the 1970-D and 1996-W quarters are valuable due to their rarity and collector demand.
If you have any of these special quarters—1964, 1970-D, or 1996-W—you may have a hidden treasure! They are valuable to collectors because of their rarity, historical significance, and minting details. Make sure to carefully check the condition of the quarters and their mint marks. If you have one of these in good condition, you could be holding onto a coin worth much more than just 25 cents.
