1968 Quarter Coin Value [Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth]

The 1968 Quarter Coin Value Washington quarter occupies a notable position in U.S. coinage history, emerging during a transitional period that began with the Coinage Act of 1965. While earlier versions of the Washington quarter were crafted from silver, the production process changed dramatically after 1965, as the U.S. Mint started using a copper-nickel alloy.

This 1968 Quarter Coin Value is valuable not only for its historical context but also for the various mint errors that occurred during its production. 1968 Quarter Coin Value These errors render certain coins particularly desirable among collectors. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a newcomer eager to expand your collection, grasping the intricacies of the 1968 Quarter Coin Value Washington quarter can offer valuable insights into the world of coin collecting and investment.

History of the 1968 Quarter Coin Value

The 1968 quarter is part of the ongoing Washington quarter series, which began in 1932 to commemorate George Washington on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Designed by John Flanagan, the coin’s obverse features Washington’s portrait, while the reverse showcases a majestic American Bald Eagle perched on a bundle of arrows.

By 1965, the rising cost of silver prompted the U.S. Mint to stop using silver for circulating quarters. This significant shift altered the coin’s metal composition: before this change, quarters contained 90% silver and 10% copper. From 1965 onward, quarters consisted of a copper core enveloped in an outer layer of copper-nickel, a style commonly referred to as clad coins.

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Key Historical Milestones

• 1932: The Washington quarter was first introduced, initially struck in silver.
• 1965: The Coinage Act marked the transition from silver to a copper-nickel alloy.
• 1968: The San Francisco mint exclusively produced proof coins for the first time.

This change in composition profoundly impacted how quarters are valued today. Silver quarters have become increasingly rare and sought after, while post-1965 clad quarters, including those from 1968, often gain value due to either error coins or exceptional condition.

Features of the 1968 Washington Quarter Coin Value

Obverse Design (Front)

The front of the 1968 quarter displays the iconic portrait of George Washington, a tribute to the first U.S. president. This portrait has been a consistent feature since the series’ inception in 1932. Notable details on the obverse include:

• The word LIBERTY positioned above Washington’s head.
• The date “1968” inscribed at the bottom.
• The national motto IN GOD WE TRUST to the left of Washington’s profile.

Reverse Design (Back)

The reverse design is equally iconic, featuring the American Bald Eagle with its wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows. This symbol of strength and patriotism has remained unchanged since the quarter’s original release. The reverse includes the following:

• The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top.
• The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just above the eagle.
• The denomination QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom.

Key Specifications of the 1968 Quarter Coin Value:

Feature	Specification
Metal Composition	Copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel)
Diameter	24.3 mm
Weight	5.67 grams
Edge	Reeded (grooved edges)
Mint Marks	“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mint mark for Philadelphia

Mint Marks on the 1968 Quarter Coin Value

Mint marks are small letters on coins that indicate which U.S. facility produced them. For the 1968 quarter, three key varieties exist based on the mint marks:

• No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): A quarter without a mint mark originates from the Philadelphia Mint. These coins are relatively common but can hold varying value depending on their condition.
• 1968-D (Denver Mint): Quarters with a “D” mark were minted in Denver. Although Denver-minted quarters from 1968 are common, those in uncirculated or mint condition tend to be more valuable to collectors.
• 1968-S (San Francisco Mint): The San Francisco Mint produced quarters exclusively for proof sets in 1968. These coins were not intended for general circulation and typically carry higher value, especially in superior grades. Proof coins exhibit a higher-quality strike and a mirror-like finish, making them particularly appealing to collectors.

Mintage Numbers of 1968 Quarters Coin Value:

Mint	Mintage Number	Mint Mark
Philadelphia	220,731,500	None
Denver	101,534,000	“D”
San Francisco	3,041,506 (proof only)	“S”

While the Philadelphia Mint produced a larger quantity of quarters, the San Francisco proof quarters are much rarer and generally more valuable in numismatic circles.

The Value of a 1968 Quarter Coin Value

Determining the value of a 1968 quarter hinges on several factors, including the coin’s condition, mint mark, and any potential error features. While most circulated quarters are worth their face value (25 cents), certain characteristics can significantly boost their worth.

Coin Condition

Coin grading is a critical element in determining value. The grading scale spans from poor (P-1) to perfect mint state (MS-70). Here’s a brief overview of grades and their descriptions:

Grade	Description	Value Impact
G-4	Heavy wear; design barely visible	Low
F-12	Moderate wear; major design intact	Low to medium
EF-40	Light wear; sharp details	Medium
AU-55	Minor wear; strong luster	Medium to high
MS-65	No wear; retains original mint luster	High
PR-65 (Proof)	Mirror-like finish; flawless	Very high (proof coins)

Coins that fall into higher grades, especially uncirculated coins (MS-65 and above), are sought after by collectors and can command a premium in the market.

Value Guide Based on Mint Marks

Now, let’s explore the value of the 1968 quarter based on its mint mark and condition:

1968 No-Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint) Quarter Value

Circulated Philadelphia quarters from 1968 generally hold only their face value. However, higher-grade or uncirculated coins can be worth considerably more.

Condition	Value Range
Circulated (F-12)	$0.25 – $0.50
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$1 – $2
Uncirculated (MS-65)	$8 – $12

1968-D Quarter Value (Denver Mint)

The Denver Mint produced fewer quarters in 1968 than the Philadelphia Mint, making them relatively rarer. Quarters in pristine condition with the “D” mint mark can demand higher values.

Condition	Value Range
Circulated (F-12)	$0.25 – $0.50
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$1 – $3
Uncirculated (MS-65)	$10 – $20

1968-S Proof Quarter Value (San Francisco Mint)

San Francisco proof quarters were crafted exclusively for collectors, not for circulation. These coins are generally well-preserved and can fetch higher prices, especially if in flawless condition.

Condition	Value Range
Proof (PR-65)	$5 – $10
Proof (PR-68)	$15 – $30

1968 Quarter Error Coins and Their Value

Some of the most valuable 1968 quarters are those exhibiting mint errors. Error coins arise from defects or unusual features during minting, prompting collectors to pay a premium due to their rarity. Here are some common error types found in 1968 quarters:

Doubled Die Error

A doubled die error occurs when the coin’s design is stamped twice, slightly offset from the original strike. This results in noticeable doubling on parts of the coin, particularly in the lettering or the image of George Washington.

Value of Doubled Die Error Quarters:

• Low-grade doubled die error: $25 – $100
• High-grade doubled die error: $500 – $1,500

Off-Center Error

An off-center error occurs when the coin blank is misaligned with the die, leading to a design that is struck off-center. The value of these errors depends on the degree of misalignment and the coin’s condition.

Value of Off-Center Error Quarters:

• Minor off-center error (5-10%): $20 – $50
• Major off-center error (50% or more): $100 – $300

Silver Planchet Error

In rare instances, some quarters may have been mistakenly struck on a silver planchet instead of a clad one. These coins are highly sought after by collectors.

Value of Silver Planchet Error Quarters:

• Silver planchet errors can command prices ranging from $500 to over $1,000, depending on their condition.

How to Determine Your 1968 Quarter’s Value

To assess the value of your 1968 quarter accurately, consider these steps:

1. Check the Mint Mark: Identify whether your quarter has a mint mark (D or S) or none at all.
2. Evaluate the Condition: Use the grading scale outlined above to determine your coin’s condition.
3. Research Recent Sales: Look at auction sites, online marketplaces, or numismatic publications to see recent sales of similar coins to gauge their current market value.
4. Consult a Professional: For high-value coins or those with errors, consider consulting a professional coin dealer or appraiser for a precise valuation.

Conclusion

The 1968 quarter is a fascinating piece of numismatic history. While most of these coins are relatively common and worth only face value, understanding the differences in mint marks, coin condition, and potential errors can reveal a world of value that awaits collectors. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about this quarter, recognizing its unique features is essential in navigating the exciting realm of coin collecting.