Ashley Simpson
The numismatic world is abuzz with a viral claim: a $67 million Washington quarter. While sensational, this figure lacks verification.
But real rare Washington quarters—from vintage silver types to stunning mint errors—have sold for high five‑ and six‑figure sums.
Let’s explore the facts, figure out the truth behind the hype, and uncover authentic numismatic treasures.
What’s the $67 Million Claim All About?
Some sensational reports allege the discovery of a $67 million quarter, often linked to mythical mint errors (like mule coins or unique die varieties). However:
- No reputable auction house (e.g., PCGS, NGC) has confirmed any quarter sale near that figure
- Even legendary coins like the 1932‑D have only achieved a few hundred thousand dollars at auction
In short, the $67 million number is almost certainly wild internet hype.
Real Record‑Breaking Washington Quarters
Several genuine quarter coins have fetched significant sums. Below is a table summarizing key examples:
| Year & Mint | Type / Variation | Grade / Description | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932‑D | Silver, Denver mint | MS66 | ~$143,750 |
| 1964‑D | Silver, Denver mint | MS68 (excellent strike) | ~$38,400 |
| 1953‑D | Silver, Denver mint | MS68 | ~$21,500 |
| 1966 | Clad, Philadelphia mint | MS68+ | ~$21,000 |
| 1965 | Clad, error-free specimen sets | MS67+ (modern MS) | ~$12,650 |
1. 1932‑D Silver Washington Quarter
One of the most celebrated: only ~437,000 struck, with few high-grade survivors. An MS66 example earned around $143,750 at auction
2. 1964‑D Silver Quarter
As the last clad‑silver quarter year, specimens graded MS68, especially with sharp strikes, can reach $38,400
3. 1953‑D Silver Quarter
High grades (MS68) have sold for approx. $21,500
4. 1966 MS68+ Clad Quarter
Despite copper‑nickel composition, ultra‑high grade MS68+ specimens sold for around $21,000
5. 1965 Philadelphia MS67+ Clad Quarter
A modern‑grade rarity, one sold for $12,650
Why These Quarters Command High Prices
- Scarcity: Low original mintages or few surviving high-grade specimens.
- Condition: Coins graded MS67+ or MS68+ by certification services like PCGS/NGC.
- Historical & collector prestige: Early silver issues and unique strike quality fuel demand.
Top Factors for Recognizing Valuable Quarters
- Mint marks:
- Silver era (pre‑1965) marks like “D” or “S” add value.
- Modern marks (e.g., special “W” quarters) are interesting but less valuable unless graded extremely high.
- Metal composition:
- 90 % Silver (1932–1964) significantly boosts intrinsic and collector value.
- Mint errors & die varieties:
- Mule coins (like Sacagawea obverse on quarter reverse) exist, but genuine mule quarter‑dollar combos are extremely rare
- Grading & certification:
- High grades (MS65–MS68+) exponentially increase value.
The $67 million Washington quarter is almost certainly a hoax, fueled by internet sensationalism.
However, several authentic, high‑grade quarters—like the 1932‑D and 1964‑D—have fetched serious money, ranging from tens to low hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
If you discover such a coin, grading and proper numismatic evaluation can unlock its true potential—though don’t expect multi‑million‑dollar windfalls.
In short, check your change carefully—real treasure may still be hiding in plain sight, but fantasy valuations like $67 million quarters are best taken with a grain of salt.
FAQs
Is the $67 million quarter real?
No. There is no verified documentation. Even the most valuable Washington quarters have sold for under $200,000
What is the most valuable Washington quarter ever sold?
A genuine 1932‑D quarter graded MS66 sold for approximately $143,750
How can I check if my quarter is valuable?
Look for key years (1932‑D/S, 1950-D/S), high-grade condition, silver content, or unusual mint marks. Submit for grading by reputable services.