Breaking Auction News! A rare 1965 Washington Quarter just made history — selling for an incredible $1.8 MILLION at the 2024 Stack’s Bowers Rarities Night Auction.
This isn’t just any quarter — it’s a jaw-dropping mint error coin featuring a doubled die obverse and a massive die break near Washington’s ear. Collectors are calling it the most valuable modern U.S. quarter ever discovered! 
Could your loose change be hiding a fortune? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Why This 1965 Quarter Is Worth $1.8 Million
This coin’s value isn’t from silver (1965 was the year the Mint stopped using 90% silver).
Instead, it’s the extreme minting mistakes and near-perfect preservation that make it so special.
Here’s what makes it legendary:
Extreme Doubled Die Obverse (Class VI)
- Strong doubling visible even without magnification
- Most noticeable on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and obverse lettering
Massive Die Break Near Washington’s Ear 
- A 2.3mm raised metal blob gives a bizarre “two-ear” look
- A sign of severe die deterioration – incredibly rare on clad quarters
Almost Perfect Condition
- PCGS Grade: MS-66
- Surface: Brilliant luster, sharp strike, minimal flaws
Step-by-Step: How to Spot This Rare 1965 Quarter
Think you’ve got a lucky find in your change? Follow these simple checks:
Date Check: Must say 1965 (no mint mark)
Weight: Standard clad quarters weigh 5.67g
Doubling Test: Look for bold doubling on the front lettering
Die Break Spot: Look for a raised bump or blob near Washington’s ear
Certification: Must be authenticated by PCGS or NGC for top value
Value Breakdown: Regular vs. Rare
| Feature | Normal 1965 Quarter | Million-Dollar Error |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die |  None |
 Class VI Extreme |
| Die Break | None |
2.3mm blob |
| Grade | MS-65 or lower | MS-66 (PCGS) |
| Value |  10 |
1,800,000  |
Why the 1965 Quarter Is So Historic
1965 marked a turning point for U.S. coins:
Silver to Clad Transition – First year quarters were made without silver
Minting Pressure – The coin shortage of the 1960s pushed equipment to the limit
Unique Error Combo – No other known 1965 quarter shows both Class VI doubling and a major die break
That’s why this one coin stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime minting miracle.
How to Authenticate a Rare 1965 Quarter
If you think you’ve spotted a winner — don’t rush to sell it at a local shop!
Here’s how to get it verified safely:
Submit to PCGS Error Coin Service
3D die analysis for authentic doubling
XRF metal testing for accurate composition
Cross-checking with U.S. Mint error records
Without proper certification, your coin won’t fetch premium prices — even if it looks perfect!
Final Thoughts
The $1.8 million 1965 quarter proves that even the most ordinary coins can hold extraordinary value.
So before you drop your next quarter into a vending machine… 
Take a second look — you could be holding a once-in-a-lifetime treasure worth millions! 
