The 1967 quarter no mint mark represents a unique era in American coinage. It was born out of necessity rather than celebration, crafted during a period when economic pressures and public behavior forced the U.S. Mint to act decisively.
By the early 1960s, silver prices were steadily rising. For decades, U.S. quarters had been composed of 90% silver, making them intrinsically valuable beyond their face value. As silver became more expensive, citizens began hoarding coins, pulling them from circulation in anticipation of even higher metal prices. Everyday commerce faced disruptions, and the Mint had to find a long-term solution.
This urgency led to the Coinage Act of 1965, a piece of legislation that fundamentally reshaped the nation’s coins. Among its key provisions:
Removal of silver from quarters and dimes: Starting in 1965, quarters were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition instead of silver.
Elimination of mint marks from 1965 to 1967: To discourage hoarding and speculative collecting, coins from different mints carried no distinguishing marks. This made coins minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco indistinguishable during that time.
Massive production levels: To stabilize circulation, the Mint dramatically increased output. In 1967 alone, more than 1.5 billion quarters were produced, one of the largest single-year totals in U.S. history.
This shift didn’t just change the material of coins—it altered public attitudes toward collecting and saving. Coins were no longer viewed primarily for their silver content but increasingly for their historical, numismatic, and error-driven value.
The 1967 Quarter in Context
Although the design remained the same, the 1967 quarter became a symbol of transition. Its high mintage numbers and lack of mint marks made it common in everyday commerce, but it also became a snapshot of mid-century U.S. monetary policy. For today’s collectors, the 1967 issue is interesting not because of rarity in circulation, but because of what it represents: the dawn of the modern clad coinage era.
Collectors studying this year often examine differences between circulation strikes and Special Mint Set (SMS) coins, which were sold to hobbyists instead of traditional proof sets. SMS examples typically have sharper details and satin-like surfaces, making them attractive for collection purposes.
Design and Specifications
Although the 1967 quarter broke new ground in terms of composition, its design stayed firmly rooted in tradition. Sculptor John Flanagan’s iconic rendering of George Washington, first introduced in 1932 for the bicentennial of Washington’s birth, remained untouched.
Obverse (front): A left-facing portrait of George Washington. The inscriptions include “LIBERTY”, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date “1967.”
Reverse (back): A heraldic eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows in its talons while perched above an olive branch. Surrounding inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Technical Specifications
Feature | Details |
Composition | Copper-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel over pure copper core) |
Weight | 5.67 grams |
Diameter | 24.26 mm |
Edge | Reeded, approximately 119 reeds |
Mintages | 1,524,031,848 (no mint marks) |
Unlike earlier silver quarters, the clad coins have a distinct copper-colored stripe on the edge, making them easy to differentiate from pre-1965 silver coins.
Collectability and Values
At first glance, a 1967 quarter may not seem special, given its enormous mintage. Most examples in circulated grades still trade for face value (25 cents). However, numismatists know that the true interest lies in condition, minting errors, and SMS (Special Mint Set) strikes.
Circulated vs. Uncirculated
Circulated coins: Worth little above face value unless exhibiting a major error.
Uncirculated examples (MS65 and higher): Collectors pay premiums, often $10–$40, depending on grade.
Top-graded coins (MS67–MS68): Extremely rare; auction prices can soar above $1,000.
Special Mint Set (SMS) Coins
The U.S. Mint offered SMS coins in 1967, replacing proof sets during this transitional period. These coins feature a satin-like or prooflike surface and are generally better struck than circulation coins. SMS quarters in high grades (SP67 and above) are desirable, often valued between $20–$150, with the rarest grades commanding more.
Error Coins
Errors and varieties are where the 1967 quarter becomes truly intriguing:
Double strikes: Two impressions overlapping on the same coin.
Clipped planchets: Part of the coin missing due to a blanking punch error.
Off-center strikes: Designs shifted significantly, sometimes leaving blank areas.
Die cracks or die breaks: Imperfections that create raised lines or blobs on the coin’s surface.
Such anomalies can elevate a coin’s worth from a few dollars into hundreds, depending on severity and rarity.
Essential Tools for Collectors
For anyone interested in the 1967 quarter, accurate resources are vital. Books, online platforms, and mobile apps now make evaluating and managing coins more accessible than ever.
Coin ID Scanner App: A Modern Collector’s Ally
Among the most reliable tools today is the Coin ID Scanner app, available on Android and iOS. It allows collectors to:
Identify coins by photo: Upload or snap a picture to instantly receive a detailed coin card with country, year, type, edge, composition, diameter, weight, and estimated price.
Access a vast database: Covering over 187,000 coins worldwide, including U.S. clad and silver issues.
Organize digitally: Create a virtual catalog of your collection with images, notes, and categories.
Use smart filters and AI helpers (premium): Perfect for narrowing searches or detecting rare features, such as errors on a 1967 quarter.
Collectors often say this app saves time and boosts confidence by confirming details that might otherwise require expert consultation.
More Resources to Consider
The “Red Book” (Guide Book of United States Coins): A staple for pricing and history.
PCGS and NGC price guides: Professional references for up-to-date auction data.
Collector forums and online communities: Platforms like CoinTalk and the Collectors Universe forums offer peer insights and discussions on finds like SMS coins or errors.
The Legacy of the 1967 Quarter
The 1967 Washington quarter might seem ordinary at first glance, yet it embodies a turning point in U.S. coinage. Born from the end of silver circulation, struck in massive numbers, and tied to the Mint’s efforts to discourage hoarding, it captures a unique moment in monetary history.
For collectors, the intrigue lies in uncirculated examples, SMS strikes, and rare errors that can transform a common coin into a valuable discovery. Thanks to digital resources like the Coin ID Scanner app, evaluating and cataloging these coins has never been easier.
For hobbyists, travelers, or serious numismatists, the 1967 quarter reminds us that history often hides in the smallest details—and sometimes even in pocket change.