For many coin collectors, the 1963 Washington quarter holds a special place as the penultimate year the denomination was minted in 90% silver. With over 200 million produced between the Philadelphia and Denver mints, 1963 quarters are not rare in the absolute sense. However, certain varieties in top conditions can be worth thousands of dollars or more.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about 1963 quarter values. We‘ll cover the different varieties, most valuable errors and rarities, how to determine condition, and the best strategies for buying and selling these classic American coins.
What Makes 1963 Quarters Valuable?
First minted in 1932, the Washington quarter series is one of the most widely collected U.S. coins. Quarters from 1963 are particularly prized for a few key reasons:
Last Year of Silver: 1963 marked the final full year that quarters were minted in a 90% silver composition before switching to a copper-nickel clad in 1965. Many were pulled out of circulation once silver prices rose, but far more were lost to everyday use. Finding a pristine, uncirculated example today is a challenge.
Condition Rarity: With a large portion of the mintage going into commerce, locating quarters that remained in uncirculated grade after nearly 60 years is difficult. Gems graded MS65 and higher by PCGS or NGC are condition rarities that command substantial premiums.
Certain Varieties: A number of notable varieties were produced in 1963, such as the proof strikes and Type B reverse. Error coins, like double dies and striking mishaps, are also highly sought-after by collectors when found in high grades.
While circulated 1963 quarters only sell for a small margin over their melt value, the most desirable examples have sold for five figures at auction. Knowing how to grade them and identify the key varieties is essential for collectors and investors.
1963 Quarter Values by Variety
The 1963 Washington quarter series includes regular strikes from the Philadelphia and Denver mints, specially minted proof coins, and several major varieties. Here‘s a price guide for the most common types, with values dependent on condition:
1963 (P) No Mint Mark
Minted: 77,391,645
Good $5.80 | Fine $5.90 | Extremely Fine $6.00 | MS-60 $7.00 | MS-63 $9.00
MS-65 $15 | MS-66 $62 | MS-67 $2,700
1963-D
Minted: 135,288,184
Good $5.80 | Fine $5.90 | Extremely Fine $6.00 | MS-60 $7.00 | MS-63 $9.00
MS-65 $18 | MS-66 $108 | MS-67 $4,600
1963 Type B Reverse
An estimated 3-5 million of the Philadelphia mint quarters featured a reverse die intended for proof coins, with a slightly different relief and spacing between letters. Easily identified by a larger than normal gap between the "E" and "S" of "STATES."
MS-63 $40 | MS-64 $100 | MS-65 $250 | MS-66 $700 | MS-67 $1,000
1963 Proof
Minted: 3,075,645
The Philadelphia mint produced specially struck proof quarters for collectors in 1963. They feature mirrored fields and frosted devices. Cameo contrast and deep cameo contrast versions are valued higher.
PR-60 $8.00 | PR-63 $10 | PR-65 $12 | PR-66 $17 | PR-67 $50
PR-68 $250 | PR-69 $1,650 | PR-70 $8,500
Note that these are average retail prices intended as a general guideline. Actual seller prices will vary based on eye appeal, presence of toning, and market conditions. Seek multiple professional opinions when grading valuable coins.
Rare 1963 Quarter Errors and Varieties
Certain rare errors and varieties are highly prized by Washington quarter collectors. While available in extremely limited quantities, these can bring substantial five and even six-figure sums when found in high grades. A few of the most notable include:
1963 Double Die Obverse and Reverse: Errors produced when the working die shifts or rotates between impressions by the hub. Leads to a flat, shelf-like doubling of design elements on the obverse, reverse, or both sides. MS graded examples can sell for over $5,000.
1963-D Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet: A rare mint error caused by a 1963-D quarter being struck on a 10c silver planchet. Since dimes are smaller, not all design details are present. One AU-55 specimen sold for over $4,700 at auction in 2006.
1963 Proof Double Die Reverse: The most visually stunning of the proof varieties, with pronounced doubling visible on "STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." A PCGS PR-68 CAM sold for over $3,800 in a 2015 Heritage auction.
Other mint mistakes to look for are off-center strikes, clips, and die breaks. Quarters mistakenly struck on cent, nickel, or dime planchets also bring substantial premiums. Attribution and certification by a trusted third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC is essential for authenticating rare errors.
How to Determine the Condition of a 1963 Quarter
As evident in the pricing charts, the condition or grade makes a huge difference in 1963 quarter values. A well-circulated example may only be worth its silver melt value, while a pristine gem could sell for thousands. Here‘s a quick guide to grading Washington quarters:
- Good (G-4): Major design elements are visible, but heavily worn. Rims are nearly flat.
- Fine (F-12): Moderate to heavy even wear. Design is clear but flat and lacking detail.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light to moderate wear on the highest points. Some mint luster may show.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): Slight wear visible only on the highest points. Most of the mint luster remains.
- Mint State (MS-60 to 70): No wear from circulation. Graded on a 1 to 70 scale based on luster, contact marks, hairlines, and overall eye appeal. Gem examples have full original luster and minimal marks.
Use a 5x magnifying glass in good light to assess condition. Avoid cleaning or polishing coins, as it will lower their numismatic value. For high-value quarters, consider having them professionally authenticated and graded by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. A trusted grading service‘s seal can make a coin much more liquid and marketable.
How to Buy and Sell 1963 Quarters
For buying 1963 quarters for your collection, options include local coin shops, coin shows, online dealers, and internet auctions. Here are some quick tips:
- Decide on a collecting budget and goal. Are you looking for attractive circulated examples, pristine uncirculated coins, or rare varieties and errors?
- Only buy slabbed coins certified by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS, especially for uncirculated examples valued over $500.
- Investigate all sellers, especially online and at shows. Check feedback reviews and professional memberships. If a deal seems too good to be true, be cautious.
- For expensive key dates and varieties, consider seeking multiple opinions on grade and asking for a guarantee of authenticity in writing.
When you‘re ready to sell part or all of your collection, consider these options:
- If you have slabbed coins, check the price guides and recent auction records to determine their current fair market value. Sources like PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, and CoinTrackers are helpful references.
- For a quick sale, consider a local coin shop or online dealer who specializes in Washington quarters. They will buy your certified coins at a percentage of retail value, based on their current inventory.
- For the highest potential return, especiallyon key dates and rarities, consider consigning them to a well-publicized coin auction, either online or a traditional live sale. Look for an auction house with a strong track record of Washington quarter sales.
- Portals like GreatCollections and eBay also make it easy to list certified coins yourself at fixed prices or in online auctions.
Remember that knowledge, patience and careful research are essential for succeeding as a collector or investor in classic American silver coins. By knowing how to grade, identify varieties, and determine fair market value, you‘ll be well on your way to building an outstanding collection of 1963 Washington quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What‘s the most valuable 1963 quarter?
A: The most valuable 1963 Washington quarter sold to date was a PCGS MS67+ example that realized over $16,000 at a 2021 auction. Generally, quarters graded MS-67 and higher by PCGS or NGC, as well as rare errors like double dies and off-metal strikes, command the highest premiums.
Q: What makes a 1963 quarter silver?
A: All regular issue 1963 Washington quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately .18084 ounces of pure silver. 1963 was the last year before the switch to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1965.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1963 quarter?
A: For quarters minted in 1963, the mint mark (if present) is located on the reverse just below the wreath. Coins from the Philadelphia mint have no mint mark, while Denver issues are denoted by a "D." No quarters were struck in San Francisco in 1963.
Q: Are proof 1963 quarters silver?
A: Yes, specially struck 1963 proof quarters are composed of the same 90% silver alloy as regular issues from the year. They exhibit mirrored fields and frosted devices and were sold directly to collectors. Look for the "P" mint mark or no mint mark, as all proofs were produced in Philadelphia.
Q: How can you tell if a 1963 quarter has an error?
A: Some of the most common 1963 Washington quarter errors include doubling of words and devices, off-center strikes, and being struck on the wrong size planchet. Use a magnifying glass to carefully examine both sides of the coin and compare it to images of known error examples. When in doubt, consider submitting it for expert authentication by a top grading service.
Whether you‘re an experienced collector or new to the hobby, 1963 Washington quarters offer a number of exciting key dates, varieties, and rare errors to pursue. By carefully studying the series, learning to grade accurately, and making wise purchases, these classic 90% silver coins can form a cherished part of your numismatic holdings for years to come.
