The 1968 Washington Quarter marks the return of mint marks following a three-year hiatus (1965–1967) during which the U.S. Mint removed them to deter hoarding and speculation, giving it significance among collectors.
Though struck with a copper-nickel clad composition like the preceding years, the reintroduction of mint marks and a few notable variations make the 1968 quarter a target for collectors interested in error coins, grading rarities, and foundational set building.
Let’s take a closer look at the value, varieties, mint mark differences, and highly collectible errors associated with the 1968 Washington Quarter.
1968 Quarter Overview
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel clad over a pure copper core
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Mint Marks: No Mint Mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Total mintage across all three mints exceeded 300 million coins. While most 1968 quarters are common in circulated condition, certain variations and higher-grade examples can fetch a premium on the collector market.
1968 Quarter Mint Mark Breakdown
1968 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: ~220,731,500
- Circulated Value: Face value ($0.25)
- Uncirculated Value (MS63-MS65): $1–$5
- High-Grade MS67+: Up to $75–$150+
The Philadelphia 1968 quarter was produced in large numbers, and most are well-struck. However, MS67 and higher examples certified by PCGS or NGC remain relatively scarce.
1968-D Quarter (Denver Mint)
- Mintage: ~101,534,000
- Circulated Value: $0.25
- Mint State Value: $1–$6
- MS67+ Examples: Up to $200+
Although fewer Denver quarters were minted than Philadelphia’s output, the Denver Mint’s coins are often found with sharper strikes. Top-graded coins are elusive and carry premium prices.
1968-S Quarter (San Francisco – Proof Only)
- Mintage: ~3,041,506 (Proof)
- Composition: Same clad alloy
- Typical PR69 Value: $4–$12
- PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM): $250–$500+
San Francisco issued 1968 quarters exclusively as proofs for inclusion in collector sets. Deep cameo examples are especially prized. These exhibit frosted details and mirror-like fields.
1968 Quarter Error Coins and Varieties
Several errors and unusual variations have been documented for the 1968 quarters. These coins typically arise from die cracks, misalignments, or planchet issues, and can trade at strong premiums:
Double Die Errors
- Notable DDO errors exist, particularly among proof coins from the San Francisco Mint
- Values: $90–$750, depending on amount and location of the doubling.
Clipped Planchet Errors
- Value Range: $10 to $100+ depending on severity and visibility
- Collectors look for curved clips and examples with the Blakesley Effect, where the rim opposite the clip is weak or missing.
Die Breaks and Cuds
- A few 1968-D quarters exhibit small die breaks or retained cuds along the rim.
- Values: $15–$75, depending on size and position.
Off-Center Strikes
- Value Range: $25–$200+
- Coins struck more than 10% off-center with clear dates and mint marks are especially valuable.
1968 Quarter Values by Condition
| Grade | 1968 (P) | 1968-D | 1968-S Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.25 | $0.25 | N/A |
| MS63 | $1.00 | $1.00 | N/A |
| MS65 | $5.00 | $5.00 | N/A |
| MS67 | $75+ | $100+ | N/A |
| PR69 DCAM | N/A | N/A | $15–$30 |
| PR70 DCAM | N/A | N/A | $250–$500+ |
Recent auctions have seen PCGS MS67+ 1968-D quarters sell for over $300, while a PR70DCAM 1968-S proof has crossed $500 at auction.
Notable 1968 Quarter Auction Sales
- PCGS MS67+ 1968-D: Sold for $312 in a 2023 Heritage auction
- NGC PR70 DCAM 1968-S: Realized $575 in 2022 on GreatCollections
- NGC MS67 1968 No Mint Mark: Sold for $110 on eBay in early 2024
Collecting 1968 Washington Quarters
Though not silver, the 1968 quarters still play a significant role in Washington Quarter history. The return of mint marks and the continuation of the copper-nickel clad composition represent a permanent shift in U.S. coinage. Collectors target:
- High-Grade Business Strikes (MS67+)
- Deep Cameo Proofs from San Francisco
- Dramatic Error Coins
For collectors building a date and mint mark set, the 1968 issues are foundational and attainable, with enough variation to keep the hunt interesting.
Final Thoughts
With mint marks returning, a vibrant proof strike, and enough error coins in circulation to intrigue collectors, 1968 Washington Quarter remains a rewarding year for enthusiasts. While it may not carry the same intrinsic value as pre-1965 silver coins, its numismatic importance shouldn’t be overlooked.
