What Is My 1965 Quarter Worth?
If you found a 1965 quarter in your change and you’re wondering what it’s worth, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched coins out there, and for good reason.
1965 Was a Transition Year
1964 silver quarter (left) and 1965 clad quarter (right). The difference is in the metal, not the design.
1965 was the first year U.S. quarters were made from copper-nickel clad instead of 90 percent silver. That means your 1965 quarter should not be silver. But there’s a catch.
A tiny number of 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on leftover 1964 silver blanks. These are extremely rare and worth thousands of dollars.
How to Check for Silver
Silver vs. clad: Three of these quarters are 90% silver. Look for the solid edge without any copper showing.
If you’re hoping your quarter is one of the rare silver ones, check the edge.
If you see a copper-colored stripe, it’s a normal clad quarter and worth face value. If the edge is solid silver in color all the way through, there’s a chance it’s on a silver planchet and it should be weighed.
Silver coins have a distinct, high-pitched ring when they’re dropped or clinked against other coins. Clad quarters, on the other hand, make a duller, flatter sound.
If you’re not sure whether your quarter is silver, try tapping it against another known clad coin. If it rings clearly like a small bell, it might be silver. If it sounds muted or dull, it’s probably just a regular clad quarter.
This sound test isn’t foolproof, but experienced collectors can often tell the difference right away by ear.
A silver quarter should weigh around 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs about 5.67 grams. If your 1965 quarter looks silver and doesn’t show a copper edge, put it on a digital scale. If it comes in close to 6.25 grams, you might have something worth checking out. Even a small weight difference can be a big clue.
So What’s It Worth?
A normal circulated 1965 quarter is worth 25 cents.
An uncirculated one with no wear might sell for $1 to $5. Higher-grade Mint State examples can go for $10 to $20 or more depending on eye appeal, luster, and whether it’s certified.
If you have a 1965 quarter struck on a silver planchet, it could be worth anywhere from $2,500 to over $7,000. These are incredibly rare and need to be authenticated.
Final Thoughts
Most 1965 quarters are worth face value, but it’s still worth checking. Look at the edge. Feel the weight. If something seems off, don’t spend it just yet. Even if it’s not silver, a clean, well-preserved example could still be worth a few bucks to the right buyer.