Finding old quarters in your pocket change might seem ordinary, but 1962 Washington quarters deserve a closer look. While most are worth their silver content of around $5 to $7, specific error varieties can command prices exceeding $400. Understanding which mint marks, grades, and errors to look for can transform a routine coin check into a profitable discovery. This guide breaks down exactly what your 1962 quarter is worth and which errors collectors actively seek.

Understanding the Silver Content Foundation

The 1962 Washington quarter contains 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver weight of 0.18084 troy ounces. This composition remained standard for U.S. quarters until 1964, when the Mint switched to copper-nickel clad coins. The silver content alone establishes a baseline value fluctuating with precious metal markets.

At current silver prices, the melt value typically ranges between $4.50 and $5.50, regardless of mint mark or circulation condition. This metal value creates a safety net—even heavily worn 1962 quarters won’t drop below this threshold. However, numismatic premiums for uncirculated examples and error coins push values significantly higher.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 36,156,000 quarters without mint marks in 1962, while Denver produced 127,554,756 with the “D” designation. These substantial mintage figures explain why circulated examples remain common, though finding pristine uncirculated specimens requires more effort.

Mint Mark Variations and Their Values

The 1962-D quarter, struck at the Denver Mint, represents the most common variety. In circulated condition (Good to Very Fine grades), these trade at silver melt value. Even About Uncirculated (AU-50) examples rarely exceed $6 to $7 at wholesale prices. The massive mintage ensures abundant supply meeting modest collector demand.

Uncirculated 1962-D quarters in MS-60 to MS-63 grades typically sell for $8 to $15. The premium increases for exceptional specimens: MS-65 examples reach $35 to $50, while MS-67 specimens—rare for this date—can approach $150 to $200 at major auctions. The key differentiator is strike quality and luster preservation, as most Denver quarters from this period show average craftsmanship.

Philadelphia-struck 1962 quarters without mint marks follow similar pricing patterns in circulated grades. The confusion mentioned in some sources regarding “no mint mark” coins stems from proof production. San Francisco struck 3,218,019 proof quarters in 1962, which bear no mint mark. These proof coins, sold directly to collectors in special sets, command premiums of $10 to $20 in standard PR-65 condition, with deep cameo (DCAM) specimens reaching $50 to $100.

The Doubled Die Obverse Premium

The 1962 Doubled Die Obverse (designated FS-101 in error catalogs) represents the most valuable variety for this date. This error occurred when the die received a second, slightly offset impression during the hubbing process, creating visible doubling on design elements. On 1962 quarters, the doubling appears most prominently on the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”

Authentication requires magnification—a 10x loupe reveals the doubled letters as distinct, raised duplicate images rather than the machine doubling or strike doubling seen on many coins. True doubled dies show clear separation between the primary and secondary images, with both displaying equal sharpness.

Market data from GreatCollections and Heritage Auctions establishes a pricing spectrum based on grade. Low-grade examples (Good to Fine) start at $51 to $75, while Very Fine to Extremely Fine specimens command $95 to $150. Uncirculated examples escalate dramatically: MS-60 to MS-63 grades bring $175 to $275, while MS-64 to MS-65 specimens reach $325 to $445.

The highest recorded sale for a 1962 DDO quarter occurred in 2023 when a certified MS-65 example realized $485 at Heritage Auctions. Fewer than 200 certified examples exist across all grading services, making this variety genuinely scarce compared to the millions of standard strikes.

Die Break and Cud Error Values

Die breaks occur when the coin die cracks during production, allowing metal to flow into the crack and create raised lines on finished coins. Minor die cracks—thin raised lines typically appearing on the reverse around the eagle or the obverse near the rim—add modest premiums of $5 to $15 depending on visibility and location.

Major die breaks, where significant portions of the die have fractured, create more dramatic effects worth $20 to $75. These breaks often appear as bold raised lines crossing major design elements or radiating from the rim toward the center. Collectors particularly value breaks that affect Washington’s portrait or the reverse eagle.

Cud errors represent the most advanced stage of die deterioration. When a piece of the die breaks away completely at the rim, coins struck afterward show a raised, blank blob where the die piece was missing. The metal flows into this void, creating the “cud” appearance. Well-defined cuds on 1962 quarters command $50 to $150, with values increasing for larger cuds or those affecting interesting design areas.

A 2022 auction saw a 1962-D quarter with a prominent reverse cud covering 15% of the rim near the “UNITED” inscription sell for $138 in AU-53 condition. Location matters significantly—cuds on the obverse affecting Washington’s portrait or the date bring premium prices compared to those on less prominent areas.

Strike-Through and Foreign Object Errors

Strike-through errors happen when foreign material—fabric, grease, wire fragments, or other objects—gets between the die and planchet during striking. The object’s impression transfers to the coin, creating unique patterns. Fabric or cloth strike-throughs on 1962 quarters show textile weave patterns and typically sell for $25 to $50.

Wire strike-throughs, displaying raised lines from wire fragments, bring similar values of $20 to $40. Grease-filled dies create weak or missing design elements, though these command lower premiums ($10 to $25) unless affecting major features. The most valuable strike-throughs involve unusual foreign objects or create particularly dramatic effects—a 2021 sale recorded a 1962 quarter with a struck-through staple impression selling for $67.

Missing letter errors, where die grease or damage prevents certain letters from appearing clearly, add $20 to $35 when affecting major inscriptions like “LIBERTY” or “UNITED STATES.” Complete letter absences are worth more than partially weak strikes.

Strike-through values depend heavily on visual impact and uniqueness. Common grease strikes affecting small areas bring minimal premiums, while dramatic examples with clear fabric weaves or unusual object impressions can exceed $75. Professional authentication through PCGS or NGC adds credibility and typically increases realized prices by 20% to 40%.

Finding and Authenticating Valuable Errors

Searching rolls of 1962 quarters from banks and coin shops remains viable, though most rolls have been picked over multiple times. Focus on estate sales, inherited collections, and original bank-wrapped rolls for better chances. A 10x magnifying loupe is essential—handheld digital microscopes offering 50x magnification (available for $25 to $50) provide even better error detection.

When examining for doubled dies, rotate the coin under bright light. True doubling maintains consistent separation at all viewing angles, while machine doubling (worthless) appears as flat shelf-like extensions. The 1962 DDO shows strongest doubling on “LIBERTY” and the “T” in “TRUST.”

For die cracks and cuds, trace the rim carefully. Die cracks appear as raised lines; cuds show as blank, raised blobs at the rim where design elements are missing. Photograph any potential errors next to a ruler for scale documentation before pursuing authentication.

Certification through PCGS or NGC costs $20 to $40 for standard service but adds significant value for genuine errors. A raw 1962 DDO might sell for $200, while the same coin certified MS-64 realizes $350 to $400. Grading services also provide attribution numbers (like FS-101) that confirm specific varieties, essential for top-dollar sales.

Maximizing Your Return When Selling

Selling platforms affect realized prices substantially. eBay reaches broad audiences but includes 12.9% fees (listing and payment processing), reducing net proceeds. Heritage Auctions and GreatCollections charge seller’s fees of 10% to 20% but attract serious collectors willing to pay market premiums. For common-date circulated quarters, local coin shops offer immediate payment at 90% to 95% of melt value—adequate for non-error coins but insufficient for valuable varieties.

Timing sales around silver price fluctuations impacts base-value coins. When silver peaks above $25 per ounce, melt values rise proportionally, lifting even common 1962 quarters. Error coins maintain premiums regardless of silver prices, making them less sensitive to timing but more dependent on finding informed buyers.

High-quality photographs are crucial for online sales. Capture both sides in natural light, include close-ups of any errors at 3x to 5x magnification, and show the rim edge. For certified coins, photograph the holder label clearly. Accurate descriptions mentioning specific error types, mint marks, and any certification numbers improve buyer confidence and final prices.

Consider consigning exceptional pieces (MS-65 or better, valuable errors) to major auction houses. Heritage Auctions sold an MS-66 1962-D quarter for $240 in 2023—three to four times typical dealer buy prices. Auction houses handle photography, descriptions, and attract competitive bidding, though seller’s fees and longer timelines (60 to 90 days) are tradeoffs.

Building a 1962 Quarter Collection Strategy

For collectors rather than sellers, 1962 quarters offer affordable entry into silver coinage and error collecting. A complete set includes 1962-D, 1962 Philadelphia, and 1962 proof, costing $20 to $40 in mid-grade uncirculated condition. Adding a certified 1962 DDO at $150 to $250 creates a meaningful variety set demonstrating different minting processes.

Focus collecting on specific grades—assembling MS-64 examples of each mint mark provides consistent quality without MS-65 price premiums. Alternatively, target specific error types: die breaks, cuds, and strike-throughs across multiple dates create thematic collections showing production anomalies.

Registry sets through PCGS and NGC allow competitive collecting. The PCGS Washington Quarter Basic Set includes 1962-D and 1962 Philadelphia positions, with rankings comparing your coins’ grades against other collectors worldwide. This gamification aspect adds engagement beyond simple accumulation.

Storing silver quarters requires protection from tarnish and physical damage. Use non-PVC flips for individual coins or archival-quality albums with Mylar slides. Avoid direct handling—oils from fingers accelerate toning. Store in low-humidity environments (40% to 50% relative humidity) to prevent dark spotting. For valuable errors, certified slabs provide optimal protection and maintain grades.