Did you know an ordinary-looking 1964-D Washington Quarter recently sold for a staggering $38,400? While most 1964 quarters are worth just 25 cents, certain rare specimens can be worth a fortune! At PennyVerse.info, we’ve created the most comprehensive guide to help you identify, value, and sell these hidden treasures.
Why the 1964-D Quarter Can Be So Valuable
The record-setting $38,400 quarter had three exceptional qualities:
- Full Bands (FB) Designation – Perfectly struck horizontal lines on the reverse olive branches
- Gem Mint State Condition (MS67+) – Virtually flawless surfaces with original mint luster
- Cameo Contrast – Frosted design elements against mirror-like fields
According to PCGS population reports, only 12 examples have graded MS67 or higher, making these exceptionally rare.
Detailed Identification Guide
1. Full Bands Examination (Key to Value)
- Use a 10x magnifier to inspect the reverse (eagle side)
- All five horizontal bands on the olive branches must be:
- Completely separated
- Sharply defined from top to bottom
- Show no weakness or merging
- Partial bands reduce value significantly
2. Grading Your Coin Like a Pro
Here’s how to estimate your coin’s grade:
Grade | Characteristics | Value Range |
---|---|---|
MS-60 to MS-62 | Bag marks visible, luster may be dull | 10−10−25 |
MS-63 | Fewer marks, decent luster | 30−30−75 |
MS-64 | Attractive eye appeal, minimal marks | 100−100−250 |
MS-65 | Exceptional strike, slight marks | 300−300−600 |
MS-66 | Nearly perfect, Full Bands potential | 800−800−1,500 |
MS-67 | Flawless surfaces, Full Bands | 2,500−2,500−10,000 |
MS-67+ | Perfect coin, extreme rarity | 15,000−15,000−38,400+ |
3. Identifying Cameo Contrast
- Tilt coin under a 60-watt bulb
- Look for frosted devices (raised design elements)
- Fields (background) should appear mirror-like
- The stronger the contrast, the more valuable
Where to Find These Rare Quarters
Best Hunting Grounds
- Original Mint Rolls – Search for unopened 1964-D silver quarter rolls
- Bank Coin Rolls – Some still surface in circulation
- Estate Sales – Often overlooked in old collections
- Coin Dealer Inventory – Ask to search their “junk silver” bins
- Online Auctions – Look for misgraded raw coins
Pro Tip
Focus on coins showing:
- Brilliant white surfaces (not toned)
- Original mint luster (rainbow sheen when tilted)
- No cleaning or polishing marks
Complete Selling Guide
Step 1: Professional Grading (Essential for Top Value)
- PCGS or NGC certification adds credibility
- Costs 30−30−100 depending on service level
- Submission options:
- Direct submission to grading companies
- Through authorized dealers (find local dealers on PCGS.com)
- At major coin shows (grading reps often present)
Step 2: Professional Photography
- Use a lightbox or white background
- Take macro shots of both sides
- Capture Full Bands close-ups
- Show luster and cameo effects by tilting in photos
Step 3: Choosing the Right Marketplace
For Coins Worth $1,000+
- Heritage Auctions (ha.com)
- 15% seller’s fee
- Best for ultra-high grade coins
- 6-8 week auction process
- GreatCollections (greatcollections.com)
- 10% seller’s fee
- Strong collector base for Washington quarters
- PCGS/NGC Certified Coin Auctions
- Specialized markets for graded coins
For Coins Under $1,000
- eBay
- 12.9% final value fee
- Best for raw (ungraded) coins
- Use title: “1964-D Quarter MS65+ FB? Nice Original – Check Scans!”
- Reddit r/Coins4Sale
- No listing fees
- Collector-to-collector sales
- Local Coin Shows
- Negotiate directly with dealers
- Get multiple offers
Step 4: Setting the Right Price
- Check recent auction results on:
- PCGS CoinFacts
- NGC Price Guide
- Heritage Auction Archives
- Price 10-15% above your target to allow negotiation
- For raw coins, be conservative in grading claims
Current Market Trends (2024 Update)
- MS66 FB examples now selling for 1,200−1,200−1,800
- MS67 FB coins reaching 8,000−8,000−12,000
- Superb Gems (MS67+) breaking records at $30,000+
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Don’t clean your coin – Removes value
- Beware of “details” grades – Cleaned or damaged coins lose 90% value
- Watch for counterfeit holders – Verify certification numbers
- Avoid “we buy coins” shops – They pay 30-50% of true value
Join Our Collector Community
🔍 At PennyVerse.info you’ll find:
- Free weekly coin hunting tips
- Live Q&A with grading experts
- Access to our rare coin database
- Members-only auction alerts
Found a 1964-D quarter? Post clear photos in our forum for free evaluation!
Would you like our free 1964-D Quarter Grading Checklist? Comment below!
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