Do you have a 1965 quarter sitting in a jar or wallet? You might want to take a closer look 
— because some of these coins sell for hundreds… even thousands of dollars.
Below is a complete step-by-step guide showing exactly what to look for, including real auction prices and rare mint errors collectors pay big money for.
Let’s jump in 
Important First: 1965 Quarters Are Common… But Errors Are Not
Most 1965 quarters are worth 25 cents.
However, coins with:
- Mint errors
- Special Mint Set (SMS) strikes
- Extremely high grades
- Wrong metal planchets
can become extremely valuable.
Step 1: Broad Struck Quarters – Worth Around $129
A broad strike happens when the coin is struck without the collar that normally shapes the edge.
What to look for:
- Coin looks stretched
- Wider than normal rim
- Flat or distorted edge
Example sale: $129
Step 2: Curved Clips – Around $61
A clip error occurs when part of the metal strip is missing before striking.
What to look for:
- Curved cut-out on the edge
- Sometimes double curved clips
Example sale: $61
Step 3: Doubled Die Obverse – $360 to $720+
This is one of the most popular and valuable errors.
What to check on the front (obverse):
- “LIBERTY”
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Date 1965
Look for clear doubling on the letters and numbers.
Real auction prices:
| Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| AU58 | $360 |
| AU58 | $488 |
| AU55 | $575 |
| MS65 | $720 |
Higher condition = higher value.
Step 4: Die Break Errors – About $180 (pair)
A die break happens when the coin die cracks.
One example:
- Two 1965 quarters slabbed together
- One with die break
- One broad struck + die break
Sold together for $180
Step 5: High Grade Coins – Up to $11,000+
Condition matters more than anything.
Example:
- MS68 (extremely rare) → $11,000+
- MS65 (still beautiful) → $40
Just 3 grades = difference of nearly $11,000.
Step 6: Special Mint Set (SMS) Quarters
In 1965, the U.S. Mint produced Special Mint Sets (not regular proof coins).
Marked as “SMS” on grading holders.
Off-Center SMS Quarter – $160
- 10% off center
- From SMS set
Sold for $160
SMS Specimen 68 Cameo – $2,640
- Grade: SP68 Cameo
- Deep mirror finish
Sold for $2,640
SMS Specimen 66 Cameo – Only $50
Two grades lower… huge difference in price.
SMS Struck Through String – $228
- Strikethrough error
- Looks like a cross over Washington’s head
Sold for $228
Step 7: Wrong Planchet Errors (Very Valuable)
These happen when a quarter design is struck on the wrong metal disc.
Quarter on Dime Planchet – $1,600
- Much smaller coin
- Missing part of design
Sold for $1,600
Thin Stock Planchet – $66
- Weighs only 4.2 grams
Sold for $66
Another Dime Planchet Example – $360
Sold for $360
Quarter on Nickel Planchet – $348
Sold for $348
Step 8: The Holy Grail – Silver 1965 Quarter – $8,000+
In 1964, quarters were 90% silver.
In 1965, they switched to clad coins.
But a few 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on silver planchets
How to tell:
- Check the edge (solid silver vs copper stripe)
- Weigh the coin
- Sound test
Example sale: $8,000+
Always get these authenticated & graded.
Final Thoughts
A normal 1965 quarter = $0.25
But with the right:
- Error
- Metal
- Grade
- Mint set origin
…it could be worth:
$100
$1,000
$8,000
or even $11,000+
So before spending that old quarter… look closely
You might be holding a small fortune.
