Have you ever wondered about the value of that 1963 quarter hiding in your change jar or tucked away in your grandfather's old coin collection? As a seasoned numismatist with over 30 years of experience in US coin collecting, I'm here to shed light on the fascinating world of 1963 quarters – their history, rarity, and most importantly, their current market value.
The Historical Significance of the 1963 Washington Quarter
The 1963 Washington quarter holds a unique place in American numismatic history. As one of the last silver quarters minted for general circulation, it represents the end of an era in US coinage. Let's delve into what makes these coins special and potentially valuable.
A Brief History of the Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter series began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. By 1963, these quarters had become a staple of American pocket change. However, the rising price of silver was about to change everything.
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Obverse: Portrait of George Washington
- Reverse: Eagle with spread wings
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
The Silver Crisis of 1963
In 1963, silver prices were skyrocketing, leading to widespread hoarding of silver coins. The U.S. Mint responded by dramatically increasing quarter production, but it wasn't enough to meet demand. This scarcity makes 1963 quarters particularly interesting to collectors today.
1963 Quarter Value: A Detailed Analysis
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – how much is your 1963 quarter actually worth? The answer, as with most numismatic items, depends on several factors:
- Mint mark
- Condition (grade)
- Rarity and varieties
- Silver content
Let's examine each of these in detail.
Mint Marks: Philadelphia vs. Denver
In 1963, quarters were minted at two locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D mint mark)
Here's a detailed breakdown of mintages:
| Mint Location | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 74,316,000 | None |
| Philadelphia (Proof) | 3,075,645 | None |
| Denver | 135,288,184 | D |
Pro tip: Check the reverse of your quarter, just below the wreath, for the mint mark.
Grading: The Key to Accurate Valuation
The condition of your coin dramatically affects its value. Professional numismatists use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, uncirculated coin.
Here's a more detailed grading scale:
- Good (G-4 to VG-8): Heavy wear, but major features still visible
- Fine (F-12 to VF-20): Moderate wear, all major features clear
- Extremely Fine (EF-40 to AU-50): Light wear, sharp details
- About Uncirculated (AU-53 to AU-58): Trace of wear on highest points
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear, varying degrees of luster and contact marks
1963 Quarter Value Chart
Let's look at the approximate values for 1963 quarters in various conditions, based on recent auction data and price guides:
| Grade | 1963 (No Mint Mark) | 1963-D | 1963 Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5.50 | $5.50 | N/A |
| Fine (F-12) | $5.50 | $5.50 | N/A |
| VF-20 | $5.75 | $5.75 | N/A |
| EF-40 | $6.00 | $6.00 | N/A |
| AU-50 | $6.50 | $6.50 | N/A |
| MS-60 | $8.50 | $8.50 | $20 |
| MS-65 | $30 | $30 | $35 |
| MS-67 | $725 | $1,000 | $250 |
Note: These values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions. Always consult recent price guides for the most up-to-date information.
Rarity and Varieties: The Spice of Coin Collecting
While most 1963 quarters are relatively common, certain rare varieties and errors can command premium prices. Here are some examples based on recent auction results:
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): A 1963 MS-67+ DDO quarter sold for $1,680 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2022.
- Double Die Reverse (DDR): A 1963 MS-65 DDR quarter fetched $720 at a Stack's Bowers auction in 2021.
- Wrong Planchet Errors: A 1963-D quarter struck on a dime planchet sold for $675 at a Goldberg Coins & Collectibles auction in 2020.
The Silver Factor: Intrinsic Value
Don't forget – 1963 quarters are 90% silver! As of July 2023, with silver prices around $24 per ounce, the melt value of a 1963 quarter is approximately $3.90. This provides a solid base value for even worn specimens.
Where to Sell Your 1963 Quarter
If you've discovered a valuable 1963 quarter, you might be wondering where to sell it. Here are some options, along with their pros and cons:
-
Local coin shops
- Pros: Immediate payment, no shipping required
- Cons: May offer lower prices than national markets
-
Online marketplaces (eBay, Etsy)
- Pros: Wide audience, potential for higher prices
- Cons: Fees, potential for fraud, shipping hassles
-
Coin shows
- Pros: Multiple buyers, competitive offers
- Cons: Limited to specific dates and locations
-
Auction houses (for rare or high-grade specimens)
- Pros: Potentially highest prices for rare coins
- Cons: Fees, long wait times for payment
Remember: Always get multiple opinions and offers before selling your coins. For valuable specimens, consider having them professionally graded by NGC or PCGS.
Preserving Your 1963 Quarter's Value
To maintain the value of your 1963 quarter:
- Handle coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints
- Store in non-PVC holders or 2×2 cardboard flips
- Keep coins in a cool, dry environment
- Avoid cleaning, as it can damage the coin's surface and reduce its numismatic value
Beyond 1963: Collecting Washington Quarters
If you're intrigued by 1963 quarters, why not explore the entire Washington quarter series? Here are some key dates and varieties to look out for:
- 1932-D and 1932-S: The lowest mintage years, with only 436,800 and 408,000 minted respectively
- 1934 Doubled Die Obverse: A rare variety with doubling visible on the date and lettering
- 1937 Doubled Die Obverse: Another scarce variety, with doubling on "IN GOD WE TRUST"
- 1950-D/S: An interesting over-mintmark variety, where a D was stamped over an S
- 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse: The last silver quarter year produced an interesting doubled die
The Future of 1963 Quarter Values
As with all numismatic items, the value of 1963 quarters is likely to increase over time. Factors that could influence future values include:
- Increasing scarcity as coins are lost, damaged, or melted for silver content
- Rising silver prices, which provide a "floor" for values
- Growing interest in mid-20th century numismatics among younger collectors
Based on historical trends, we can project that high-grade 1963 quarters (MS-67 and above) may see the most significant appreciation over the next decade.
FAQs About 1963 Quarters
Q: Are all 1963 quarters silver?
A: Yes, all 1963 quarters are 90% silver and 10% copper. The U.S. Mint didn't switch to clad composition until 1965.
Q: How can I tell if my 1963 quarter is valuable?
A: Check for the mint mark, assess its condition, and look for any errors or varieties. High-grade coins and those with rare errors are the most valuable. Consider having valuable specimens professionally graded.
Q: Should I clean my 1963 quarter?
A: No, cleaning can damage the coin's surface and reduce its numismatic value. Professional conservation should only be done by experts for severely damaged coins.
Q: What's the rarest 1963 quarter?
A: The rarest 1963 quarters are those in pristine condition (MS-67 or higher) or with significant minting errors like the Double Die Obverse or Double Die Reverse varieties.
Q: How many 1963 quarters were minted?
A: A total of 212,679,829 quarters were minted in 1963, including 74,316,000 from Philadelphia, 135,288,184 from Denver, and 3,075,645 proofs.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of 1963 Quarters
The 1963 Washington quarter represents a pivotal moment in American coinage – the twilight of silver circulating currency. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just someone who's stumbled upon an interesting old coin, the 1963 quarter offers a tangible connection to history.
Remember, while most 1963 quarters are worth their silver content (about $3.90 as of July 2023), exceptional specimens can be quite valuable. Always do your research, consult experts when needed, and above all, enjoy the journey of discovery that coin collecting offers.
Happy collecting!
[Insert image of a high-grade 1963 Washington quarter here]This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Coin values can fluctuate, and it's always best to consult with a professional numismatist for the most accurate and up-to-date valuations. Sources for this article include the Red Book, PCGS and NGC price guides, and recent auction results from major numismatic auction houses.
