A Coin Worth More Than Its Weight in Gold
What if a quarter in your pocket could make you a millionaire? A rare 1966 Washington Quarter is causing a stir among collectors, with some versions possibly worth up to $20 million. This ordinary-looking coin, minted during a time of change at the U.S. Mint, might be hiding in your wallet, coin jar, or even a cash register. Thanks to unique errors or special traits, this quarter has become a treasure for coin hunters. Let’s explore what makes it so valuable and how you can spot one.
Why Is the 1966 Quarter So Special?
In 1966, the U.S. Mint made over 821 million Washington Quarters, switching from silver to copper-nickel after the Coinage Act of 1965. Most of these coins are worth just 25 cents, but a few have rare mistakes that make them priceless. Some were accidentally struck on silver blanks left over from earlier years. Others have a “double die obverse” error, where the date, lettering, or George Washington’s portrait looks blurry or doubled. These errors are super rare, and a top-condition coin with one could fetch millions at auction.
How to Find a $20 Million Quarter
You don’t need fancy tools to check for this rare coin. Just grab a magnifying glass and look closely. Here’s what to do:
| Step | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Date | Look for “1966” below George Washington’s portrait. |
| Doubling | Check if the date or “LIBERTY” looks blurry or doubled. |
| Mint Mark | See if there’s a “D” or no mark (Philadelphia) on the back. |
| Weight | Weigh the coin; a silver blank is about 6.25 grams, not 5.67 grams. |
Hold the coin under good light to spot any doubling or a silver edge. Don’t clean it, as that can lower its value. If it looks unusual, you might have a winner.
What Drives Its Huge Value?
The $20 million price comes from a mix of rarity and condition. A 1966 quarter struck on a silver blank or with a clear double die error is one of a kind. If it’s in mint state, meaning no wear or scratches, its value soars. For example, a top-grade MS-68+ coin sold for $21,000, showing how condition matters. Rare errors from 1966, a year when the Mint was rushed and mint marks were skipped, make these coins extra special. Collectors pay big for coins tied to this historic switch from silver to clad.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare 1966 Washington Quarter, keep it safe in a soft plastic holder to avoid damage. Don’t spend it, as its collectible value could be huge. Take it to a professional coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm if it’s real and check its worth. You can also look up recent auction prices online to see what similar coins have sold for. Selling through a trusted auction house or collector could turn your quarter into a fortune.
| Action | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Store Safely | Scratches or wear can drop the coin’s value. |
| Get It Graded | Experts verify errors and grade condition. |
| Check Auctions | Recent sales show what collectors pay.
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Don’t Miss Your Chance
The 1966 Washington Quarter proves treasures can hide in plain sight. With millions still out there, anyone could find one in their change. Social media is buzzing with stories of lucky finds, and collectors are urging everyone to check their quarters. Next time you get change, take a second to look at the date and details. That 25-cent coin might just be worth $20 million.
