Coin collecting has grown into a fascinating and lucrative hobby, with collectors across the United States searching for hidden treasures among everyday currency. One of the most valuable finds in recent history is the rare 1962 Washington quarter—a coin that, due to a minting error, has fetched over $18,000 at auctions. This quarter, which appears ordinary at first glance, holds a secret that makes it a highly sought-after piece among numismatists.
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The History Behind the Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th birthday of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, the coin features a left-facing profile of Washington on the obverse, with the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and the minting year. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle clutching olive branches, accompanied by the phrases “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
For the first three decades of its production, the Washington quarter was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to increasing silver prices, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a copper-nickel alloy in 1965 to reduce production costs. It was during this period of transition that an extraordinary minting error occurred, making some 1962 quarters incredibly valuable today.
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The Minting Error That Makes This Quarter Worth Over $18,000
During the shift from silver to a copper-nickel alloy, some silver planchets (coin blanks) were mistakenly left in the minting process. These error quarters—struck in 1962 but composed of the soon-to-be-discontinued 90% silver composition—were produced in extremely limited numbers. The unintentional use of silver planchets has made these coins highly desirable, as they are anomalies in U.S. coinage history.
According to experts from the United States Gold Bureau, collectors and investors are willing to pay a premium for these rare error coins. At major numismatic auctions, verified 1962 silver planchet quarters have sold for more than $18,000, with their value increasing based on their condition and certification.
How to Identify a Rare 1962 Washington Quarter
If you suspect you might have a rare 1962 Washington quarter, here are key ways to identify it:
1. Check the Coin’s Edge
- A standard copper-nickel quarter has a two-tone rim with visible copper.
- A silver quarter has a uniform bright silver edge with no traces of copper.
2. Weigh the Coin
- Regular clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams.
- Silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams.
- A precise digital scale can help determine the difference.
3. Conduct a Sound Test
- Silver quarters produce a distinct ringing sound when tapped, whereas clad quarters sound duller.
4. Get the Coin Professionally Certified
- Reputable grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can authenticate and grade your coin for potential buyers.
Why You Should Check Your Old Quarters
With millions of Washington quarters in circulation, it’s easy to overlook valuable pieces that could be hiding in plain sight. The numismatic market is thriving, and demand for rare error coins continues to grow.
If you own a 1962 Washington quarter, it’s worth taking the time to verify its authenticity. Whether you’re an experienced coin collector or a casual enthusiast, this rare minting error proves that sometimes, unexpected fortune can be found in the change jar sitting on your shelf.
Final Thoughts: A Small Coin with a Big Value
The 1962 Washington quarter is more than just a 25-cent piece—it’s a potential goldmine for those lucky enough to find one. With the right verification and grading, this rare coin could be worth thousands. So before you spend that old quarter, take a closer look—you might just be holding a piece of American numismatic history worth over $18,000!
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