1967 Quarter Value: Key Date Washington Quarter
1967 Quarter Value: Key Date Washington Quarter
Complete collector's guide to 1967 Washington quarter values, from circulation strikes to rare SMS Cameo varieties worth thousands
Introduction
The 1967 Washington quarter stands as one of the most intriguing coins from the transition period when the U.S. Mint suspended regular proof production. With values ranging from $7.50 to over $3,000 depending on condition and variety, these quarters offer exceptional opportunities for both beginning and advanced collectors. Unlike other years, 1967 quarters carry no mintmarks and include the rare Special Mint Set (SMS) varieties that can command premium prices.
This comprehensive guide explores everything collectors need to know about 1967 quarter values, from identifying SMS varieties to understanding the premium market for Cameo and Ultra Cameo designations. Whether you're evaluating coins in your collection or considering strategic additions, understanding these nuances is essential for maximizing value in today's robust precious metals market.
Table of Contents
1967 Quarter Basic Values and Market Overview
The 1967 Washington quarter is worth $7.50 to $10 in typical mint state condition, representing a significant premium over face value that reflects both silver content and collector demand. In higher mint state grades, circulation strikes can command prices ranging from $25 to $150, while the highest grades of MS-68 and above become genuinely scarce, fetching several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Circulation Strikes
- MS-60 to MS-63: $7.50 - $10
- MS-64 to MS-65: $15 - $25
- MS-66 to MS-67: $25 - $150
- MS-68+: $500 - $1,000+
Silver Content Value
- 90% silver composition
- 0.1808 troy ounces of silver
- Base melt value: Current silver spot price × 0.1808
- Minimum collector premium above melt
Market Factors
- Growing interest in Washington quarters
- Limited high-grade survivors
- Strong precious metals market supporting base values
- Transition year historical significance
Value Insight
The scarcity of high-grade 1967 quarters in MS-68 and above creates a compelling dynamic where circulation strikes can actually be more valuable than their SMS counterparts. This occurs because far fewer circulation coins were preserved in pristine condition, while SMS quarters were specifically saved as collectibles.
Complete 1967 Washington Quarter Price Chart
| Grade | Circulation Strike | SMS | SMS Cameo | SMS Ultra Cameo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-60 | $7.50 | $8.00 | - | - |
| MS-63 | $8.50 | $9.00 | - | - |
| MS-65 | $15.00 | $10.00 | $75 | $150 |
| MS-66 | $25.00 | $12.00 | $125 | $275 |
| MS-67 | $75.00 | $15.00 | $350 | $750 |
| MS-68 | $500.00 | $75.00 | $1,500 | $3,000+ |
| MS-69 | $1,000+ | $150.00 | $2,000 | $5,000+ |
Price Volatility Notice
Values for the highest grades (MS-68 and above) can fluctuate significantly based on auction results and market conditions. Cameo and Ultra Cameo designations add substantial premiums, with some exceptional examples selling for multiples of listed values. Always verify current market conditions before making significant purchases or sales.
Special Mint Set (SMS) Quarters Explained
Technically, there are no traditional proof Washington quarters from 1965, 1966, or 1967. Instead, the U.S. Mint released Special Mint Sets (SMS) during these years, creating limited collector products with distinctive characteristics that set them apart from regular circulation coins.
SMS Production Details
All 1967 SMS quarters were struck at the San Francisco Mint with a total mintage of just 1,863,344 sets. These coins feature a more refined finish than typical circulation coins, with some displaying frosted devices that create visual appeal similar to proof coins. The SMS process used specially prepared planchets and enhanced striking procedures to achieve superior surface quality.
SMS Characteristics
- Matte-like finish rather than mirror proof surface
- Some examples exhibit frosted devices
- Superior strike quality compared to circulation coins
- Specially prepared planchets
- Enhanced surface detail
Value Range
- MS-65 and above: $10 - $15
- MS-67: Around $15
- MS-69: Up to $150
- Cameo varieties: Significant premiums
- Ultra Cameo: $3,000+ in top grades
Identification Tip
SMS quarters can be challenging to distinguish from high-quality circulation strikes without experience. Look for the characteristic matte finish and superior striking details. When in doubt, professional grading services can definitively identify SMS coins and assign appropriate designations.
Cameo and Ultra Cameo Varieties
The most valuable 1967 quarters carry Cameo or Ultra Cameo (UCAM) designations from professional grading services. These descriptors refer to exceptional contrast between the coin's background fields and raised design elements, creating a dramatic visual effect rarely seen on SMS coins.
Cameo Designation
- Good contrast between fields and devices
- Frosted raised elements
- MS-69 Cameo: Close to $2,000
- Significant rarity premium
Ultra Cameo (UCAM)
- Exceptional contrast and frosting
- Deep, mirror-like fields
- MS-68 UCAM: Well over $3,000
- Extreme rarity
Market Performance
Cameo and Ultra Cameo 1967 quarters have shown remarkable appreciation in recent years, with top examples bringing strong results at major auctions. The combination of limited SMS production and the rarity of achieving these special designations creates a powerful supply constraint that supports premium pricing. For collectors focused on the Washington quarter series, these represent some of the most significant condition rarities available.
Investment Perspective
While all precious metals have performed well recently, with gold reaching new highs and silver showing strength, numismatic coins like Cameo 1967 quarters offer different dynamics. Their values depend more on collector demand and rarity than base metal content, potentially providing diversification within a broader precious metals portfolio.
Historical Context and Mintage Information
The year 1967 represents a fascinating period in U.S. coin production. In response to the coin shortage of the mid-1960s and concerns about hoarding, the U.S. Mint made the unusual decision to remove mintmarks from all coins beginning in 1965. This policy continued through 1967, making it virtually impossible to determine which mint produced any particular quarter.
Production Statistics
Total 1967 Quarter Production: 1,524,031,848
- Struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- No mintmarks to distinguish origin
- Silver composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
Historical Significance
- Transition period before mintmark return in 1968
- Final year before composition change to clad
- Part of coin shortage era policies
- Bridge between proof and SMS production
- Represents end of silver quarter era
Authentication Note
The removal of mintmarks was specifically intended to discourage collecting and hoarding. Ironically, this policy has made 1967 quarters more interesting to modern collectors, as the uncertainty about mint of origin adds to their mystique. The return of mintmarks in 1968 marked the end of this unusual period in U.S. coinage.
Error Varieties and Premium Values
Beyond the standard SMS varieties, 1967 quarters offer collectors opportunities to find valuable error coins that can command significant premiums. Two primary types of errors have been documented and actively collected.
Doubled Die Errors
- Most common error type for 1967 quarters
- Visible doubling on inscriptions and design elements
- Values: $100+ depending on prominence
- Look for doubling on "LIBERTY" or date
Off-Center Strikes
- Also known as collar errors
- Coin struck outside normal collar boundaries
- Values: $100+ for clear examples
- Percentage off-center affects value
Error Coin Market
Error coins represent a specialized collecting area with dedicated enthusiasts. Unlike precious metals investing where value correlates with silver spot prices, error coins derive value from their uniqueness and dramatic visual appeal. The 1967 quarter errors are particularly sought after because they combine the historical significance of the transition year with the excitement of mint mistakes.
Spotting Errors
When examining 1967 quarters, pay special attention to the inscriptions around the rim and the clarity of the date. Doubled die errors often show distinct doubling that's visible to the naked eye, while off-center strikes are immediately obvious. Both types should be authenticated by professional grading services for maximum market value.
Grading Tips for Maximum Value
Accurate grading is crucial for realizing the full value potential of 1967 quarters. The difference between adjacent grades can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars, particularly in the higher mint state levels.
Key Grading Points
- Washington's Hair: Primary area where wear first appears
- High Points: Eagle's breast and leg details
- Field Quality: Look for contact marks and hairlines
- Luster: Original mint bloom is crucial
- Strike Quality: Full detail separation
Condition Factors
- Surface preservation
- Original toning vs. artificial color
- Contact marks and bag marks
- Edge condition and rim quality
- Overall eye appeal
Professional Grading Benefits
For 1967 quarters showing potential for high grades or special designations, professional grading by NGC or PCGS provides authentication, precise grading, and market credibility. The cost of grading is typically justified for coins valued at $50 or more, and essential for potential Cameo or Ultra Cameo varieties that could be worth thousands.
Getting Started
New collectors should focus on learning to distinguish between circulation strikes and SMS varieties, understanding the importance of condition, and developing an eye for quality. Start with mid-grade examples to learn grading fundamentals before pursuing high-end rarities. Consider the broader precious metals market when timing purchases, as silver coin values benefit from both numismatic premiums and base metal appreciation.
Conclusion
The 1967 Washington quarter offers collectors a unique combination of historical significance, silver content, and numismatic rarity that creates multiple avenues for value appreciation. From basic circulation strikes worth $7.50 to ultra-rare Cameo varieties commanding thousands, these coins reward careful study and patient collecting.
Understanding the distinction between circulation strikes and SMS varieties, recognizing the premium potential of Cameo designations, and developing grading skills form the foundation for successful 1967 quarter collecting. Whether you're building a comprehensive Washington quarter set or focusing on high-grade rarities, these transitional coins from America's last silver quarter year deserve serious consideration in any numismatic portfolio.
Collecting Strategy
Success with 1967 quarters requires balancing numismatic knowledge with market timing. Monitor precious metals markets for broader trends affecting silver coins, but remember that the highest-grade examples derive most value from rarity rather than metal content. Focus on quality over quantity, and don't overlook the potential for discovering variety and error coins that could provide exceptional returns.