The 1961 US quarter coin is a fascinating piece of history, and its value can vary depending on its condition and rarity.
In 1961, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 1.3 billion quarters, making it one of the most common coins of its time.
You can find the 1961 quarter in circulation, but its value is relatively low due to its abundance.
The average circulated 1961 quarter is worth around $0.25, which is its face value.
Value Assessment
The 1961 US Quarter Value is a topic of interest for many collectors and enthusiasts. The value of a 1961 quarter can range from around $5.00 in Average Circulated condition to as much as $70 at auction for a coin in certified mint state (MS+) condition.
The condition of the coin plays a significant role in determining its value. A coin with a full rim and some hair detail on Washington can be graded as "Fine", while a coin with sharp detail, only traces of wear, and some mint luster can be graded as "Mint State."
Additional reading: 1970 Quarter No Mint Mark Value
To give you a better idea of the value of a 1961 quarter, here is a table showing the estimated value of a 1961 Washington Quarter in different conditions:
The table is based on the Red Book and shows the estimated value of a 1961 Washington Quarter in different conditions.
Value
Determining the value of a 1961 quarter can be a bit tricky, but it's not impossible.
The value of a 1961 quarter in Average Circulated (AC) condition is around $5.00, but one in certified mint state (MS+) condition can bring as much as $70 at auction.
If you have a 1961 D quarter, which is produced in Denver and has a specific "D" mint mark, it's slightly less valuable than its counterpart without the mint mark, fetching around $5.50 to $6.75 in average or fine condition.
The value of a 1961 D quarter also depends on its condition, with prices ranging from $11 in MS 60 to $3,250 in MS 67. The highest grade reported for this variety can reach a price between $3,000 and $24,000.
Here's a rough idea of what you might be asked to pay for a Washington Quarter given its condition and type:
Keep in mind that the value of these coins depends on several factors, including coin availability, mint mark, level of preservation, designation, or error, and demand for a certain coin.
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Are Silver?
Washington Quarters produced in 1961 are 90% silver, containing .1808 troy oz or 5.623 grams of pure silver.
You can check if your coin is silver using CoinTrackers' tool, Is My Coin Silver?.
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Grading the Washington
Grading the Washington Quarter is a crucial step in determining its value. A full rim and some hair detail on Washington separate a coin in "Fine" condition from one in the lower "Good" condition.
Collectors carefully analyze each and every coin prior to making a purchase, and they can do their best to only purchase those coins that are in excellent condition. This is especially true for coins like the 1961 Washington Quarter.
Related reading: Us Quarter Coins List
A coin that is receiving of a Fine grade will have been circulated extensively, but will have avoided any major damage. It will have some light scratching and surface wear, but other than that it's in ok shape.
Uncirculated coins have spent almost no time at all on the open exchange market, and they appear as though they were minted in recent history, rather than 50+ years ago. These are the most sought after coins for collectors.
A coin that is determined to be of Extremely Fine grade will have spent almost no time at all being exchanged, but there will be some light signs of wear and tear. These pieces are very difficult to pick out with the naked eye.
Good is the lowest grade a coin can be given, and it's indicative of a piece that has been circulated for decades and decades on end. These coins will show a lot of damage and may even have had the imagery and inscriptions worn away through the years.
Washington Quarter Details
The 1961 Washington Quarter is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. This is because it's often found in excellent condition, thanks to its limited circulation.
To determine the condition of a 1961 Washington Quarter, collectors look for signs of wear and tear. A coin that's been circulated extensively will show some light scratching and surface wear.
The condition of the coin greatly affects its value. Uncirculated coins are the most valuable, as they appear to have been minted recently. Extremely Fine coins also hold significant value, despite some minor signs of wear.
A Fine grade coin has been circulated but still shows minimal damage. These coins are a good option for collectors who want a more affordable piece. Good grade coins, on the other hand, have been circulated for decades and show significant damage.
The grading process is crucial in determining the value of a 1961 Washington Quarter. By carefully analyzing each coin, collectors can ensure they're purchasing a high-quality piece.
Errors and Variations
The 1961 US quarter has some fascinating errors and variations, and understanding these can help you determine its value. The double die obverse error is one such variation, where the die used to strike the coin changes its position, resulting in a doubling effect.
This error can be found on other coins minted that year and can be very valuable, with a 1961 proof quarter in PR 67 selling for nearly $400. However, the condition of the coin can greatly impact its price, and in 2022, a similar specimen sold for only $84.
The 1961 quarter struck on a nickel planchet error is another valuable variation, with a coin in AU 50 selling for $280. This error occurs when a quarter is struck on a planchet intended for a nickel, resulting in a coin that's around 5 grams in weight.
Rare Error List
The 1961 Quarter Error List is a treasure trove for collectors.
The 1961 Quarter Double Die Obverse Error, or DDO, is a valuable mistake that occurred during the minting process. The die used to strike the coin changed its position, resulting in a doubling effect that can be seen on the coin's obverse side. This error can be very valuable, but the price depends on the condition of the coin.
The 1961 proof quarter in PR 67 with the double die obverse error was sold for nearly $400. Another similar specimen with DCAM designation was sold for $580. However, the market can be volatile, and prices can fluctuate.
The 1961 D Quarter Re-punched Mint Mark Error is a highly desirable mistake that occurs when the die used for striking the mint mark leaves a doubling effect. This error is only found on the variety minted in Denver, as it's the only variety with the mint mark in this series.
In MS 65, the 1961 D quarter with re-punched mint mark error can cost around $500.
Nickel Planchet Error
The Nickel Planchet Error is a fascinating mistake that occurred during the minting process. It's estimated that the 1961 quarter struck on a nickel planchet weighs around 5 grams.
This error is mainly restricted to the 1961 D quarter, or those coins minted in Denver. The 1961 quarter in AU 50, struck on a nickel planchet, was sold for $280.
A nickel planchet is a round metal disc intended for a nickel, but sometimes a coin is struck on it by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which quarter is worth $35000?
The 1947 Silver Washington Quarter graded MS68 is worth $35,000. This rare coin is one of only four in existence, making it a highly valuable collector's item.
What 1960's quarters are valuable?
Silver quarters from 1960-1964 and rare 1965 quarters are valuable due to their silver content, rarity, and condition
Sources
- https://cointrackers.com/coins/488/1961-washington-quarter/
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces54.html
- https://www.coinstudy.com/washington-quarters-value.html
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1961-quarter-worth/
- https://www.jmbullion.com/coin-info/quarters/washington-quarters/1961-washington-quarter/
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