Finding a 1967 quarter in your pocket change might seem ordinary, but certain varieties can transform this common coin into a valuable collectible. With 1.5 billion quarters minted that year for circulation, most are worth only their face value. However, error coins and Special Mint Set specimens command prices ranging from a few dollars to several thousand, making it worth examining your 1967 quarters closely before spending them.

Why 1967 Quarters Have No Mint Mark

The absence of mint marks on 1967 quarters often confuses collectors, but this was intentional. In 1965, the United States Mint eliminated mint marks from all circulating coins for a three-year period ending in 1967. This decision aimed to discourage coin hoarding during a nationwide coin shortage caused by rising silver prices and collector speculation.

All 1967 quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which traditionally did not use a mint mark anyway. The coins feature a copper-nickel clad composition rather than silver, part of the transition away from precious metal coinage. This means that a missing mint mark does not indicate an error or add value to standard 1967 quarters.

The Philadelphia Mint produced the entire 1.5 billion circulation strike quarters, making them extremely common. In circulated condition, these coins trade for exactly twenty-five cents. Even in uncirculated condition, most examples sell for thirty to eighty-five cents, barely above face value.

Special Mint Set Quarters: The Exception Worth Finding

While circulation strikes remain common, 1967 Special Mint Set quarters represent a different category entirely. The United States Mint produced 1,863,344 Special Mint Sets that year as premium collector products to replace the temporarily discontinued Proof sets.

Special Mint Set quarters display distinctive characteristics that separate them from circulation strikes. They feature a satin-like finish rather than the typical business strike appearance, with sharper design details and higher-quality strikes. The dies received special preparation, and the planchets were carefully selected to produce superior coins.

In circulated or lower mint state grades, SMS quarters sell for two to five dollars. However, premium examples in MS-67 condition have sold for one hundred fifty to three hundred dollars at major auctions. The highest-graded specimens in MS-68 can reach six hundred to twelve hundred dollars, with a record MS-68+ example selling for six thousand two hundred fifty dollars through Heritage Auctions in 2019.

Identifying SMS quarters requires careful examination. Look for the characteristic satin finish, exceptional strike quality, and lack of bag marks or contact points common on circulation strikes. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC designate these coins with an “SMS” notation on their holders.

Struck on Wrong Planchet Errors: The Most Valuable Mistakes

Wrong planchet errors occur when a quarter die strikes a blank intended for a different denomination. These dramatic mistakes create some of the most valuable 1967 quarter errors.

Struck on Nickel Planchet: The most notable wrong planchet error involves 1967 quarter dies striking five-cent planchets. Since nickel planchets measure only 21.2 millimeters in diameter compared to a quarter’s 24.3 millimeters, significant portions of the design are missing. The coin weighs approximately five grams instead of the standard 5.67 grams for a clad quarter.

These errors typically sell for one hundred thirty to one hundred sixty dollars in average condition. A particularly well-preserved example graded MS-64 by PCGS sold for two hundred twenty-five dollars at a Stack’s Bowers auction in 2021. The distinctive size difference makes authentication relatively straightforward.

Struck on Copper Planchet: Even rarer are 1967 quarters struck on copper planchets intended for cents. These errors display a distinctive reddish-brown color and weigh only 3.11 grams. The smooth edge immediately identifies them, as normal quarters have reeded edges.

Due to their rarity, authenticated copper planchet errors command premium prices, with examples selling between three hundred and eight hundred dollars depending on condition. However, authentication is critical, as post-mint damage or plating can create similar appearances.

Clipped Planchet and Die Errors Worth Checking

Beyond wrong planchet strikes, several other error types add value to 1967 quarters, though generally at more modest premiums.

Clipped Planchet Errors: These occur when the blanking press cuts planchets from metal strips with overlapping strikes. The result is a quarter missing a curved section, typically ten to twenty-five percent of the coin. Straight clips from the edge of metal strips are less common.

Values for clipped planchet quarters range from fifteen to seventy-five dollars, depending on the size of the clip and the coin’s overall condition. A 1967 quarter with a twenty-five percent curved clip in AU-55 condition sold for forty-eight dollars on eBay in 2023. Larger clips or higher grades command higher prices.

Off-Center Strikes: When a planchet feeds incorrectly into the press, the dies strike off-center, creating a partial design with a blank crescent. Minor off-center strikes of five to ten percent add modest value of ten to twenty dollars. Dramatic fifty-percent off-center strikes, especially those retaining a partial date, can sell for one hundred to three hundred dollars.

Broadstrikes: Occurring when the retaining collar fails to engage, broadstrikes are larger in diameter than normal quarters and lack reeded edges. These errors typically sell for twenty to fifty dollars in circulated grades, with uncirculated examples reaching seventy-five to one hundred twenty-five dollars.

Double Die and Strike Doubling Variations

Doubled die errors result from misalignment during the die manufacturing process, creating doubled features on finished coins. Strike doubling, often confused with true doubled dies, occurs during the striking process and shows less dramatic doubling.

Double Die Obverse: True doubled die 1967 quarters show distinct doubling on inscriptions like “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or the date. The doubling appears as a clear separation of design elements rather than shelf-like extensions. Confirmed doubled die varieties are scarce on 1967 quarters, with authenticated examples selling for one hundred fifty to four hundred dollars.

Double Die Reverse: Reverse doubling affects the eagle, inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” or “QUARTER DOLLAR.” These are even rarer than obverse varieties. A 1967 quarter with pronounced doubling on “QUARTER DOLLAR” sold for two hundred seventy-five dollars at a Great Collections auction in 2022.

Machine Doubling: More common but less valuable, machine doubling creates shelf-like extensions rather than complete separations. These typically add only five to fifteen dollars to a coin’s value and are often misidentified by inexperienced collectors as true doubled dies.

Missing Clad Layer Errors: Dramatic Visual Appeal

Clad quarters consist of a pure copper core sandwiched between copper-nickel outer layers. Manufacturing defects occasionally result in one or both clad layers missing from the finished coin.

Missing Obverse Clad Layer: When the front clad layer is missing, the copper core is exposed, creating a distinct reddish appearance on the obverse while the reverse appears normal. These errors weigh slightly less than standard quarters, typically 5.2 to 5.4 grams instead of 5.67 grams.

Values range from seventy-five dollars for circulated examples to three hundred fifty dollars for uncirculated specimens. A 1967 quarter with missing obverse cladding graded MS-63 sold for one hundred eighty-five dollars through Heritage Auctions in 2023.

Missing Reverse Clad Layer: Less common than missing obverse cladding, these errors expose copper on the reverse while the obverse appears normal. Similar values apply, though slightly higher premiums exist due to relative scarcity.

Missing Both Clad Layers: Extremely rare, quarters missing both clad layers are entirely copper-colored and weigh approximately 4.7 grams. Only a handful of confirmed examples exist, with values exceeding eight hundred to fifteen hundred dollars even in lower grades.

Grading Impact on 1967 Quarter Values

Condition dramatically affects values, especially for error coins. Understanding the grading scale helps determine accurate valuations.

Professional grading through PCGS, NGC, or ANACS provides authentication and grade certification, essential for error coins and high-grade specimens. Grading fees typically range from thirty to one hundred dollars depending on service level, worthwhile for errors potentially valued above one hundred dollars.

Authentication and Where to Sell Valuable 1967 Quarters

Before selling error quarters, authentication through reputable sources prevents costly mistakes. Local coin shops can provide preliminary opinions, but significant errors warrant professional grading.

Professional Grading Services: Submit valuable errors to PCGS or NGC for authentication and encapsulation. This third-party verification increases buyer confidence and typically adds fifteen to thirty percent to selling prices. Economy service costs around thirty-five dollars with four-week turnaround, while express service runs seventy-five to one hundred fifty dollars for faster results.

Auction Houses: Major numismatic auctions like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, and Great Collections accept consignments for significant errors and high-grade specimens. They typically charge fifteen to twenty percent seller’s fees but provide access to serious collectors willing to pay premium prices. Minimum auction estimates usually start around two hundred fifty to five hundred dollars.

Online Marketplaces: eBay and similar platforms work for mid-range errors valued between fifty and three hundred dollars. Detailed photographs showing both sides, the edge, and specific error features are essential. Completed sales of similar items provide realistic pricing guidance.

Coin Shows: Regional and national coin shows allow direct sales to dealers and collectors. Dealers typically offer fifty to seventy percent of retail value for immediate purchase, while selling directly to collectors can achieve eighty to ninety-five percent of retail if you’re patient.

Building Your 1967 Quarter Collection Strategy

Whether you’re checking pocket change or building a specialized collection, a systematic approach maximizes your success in finding valuable 1967 quarters.

Start by examining all 1967 quarters that pass through your hands, focusing first on weight and appearance. A standard quarter should weigh 5.67 grams on a digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams. Significant deviations suggest wrong planchet errors or missing clad layers. Visual inspection under magnification reveals doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets.

For Special Mint Set quarters, the distinctive satin finish is your primary identifier. These never entered circulation in pristine condition, so finding them in change is virtually impossible. Instead, search through older collections, estate sales, or coin shop inventories where they might be misidentified and underpriced.

Document potential errors with clear photographs before handling coins excessively. Fingerprints and handling marks reduce grades and values. Store suspected errors in individual flips or holders, never together in bulk where contact damage can occur.

Join online communities like the Coin Community Forum or Reddit’s r/coins to share finds and get preliminary opinions. Experienced collectors can often identify errors or spot alterations attempting to mimic valuable varieties. These communities also provide current market insights beyond published price guides.

Remember that patience pays dividends in coin collecting. While most 1967 quarters remain common, systematic searching through circulation, coin rolls, and collections eventually yields discoveries that make the effort worthwhile.