By Blake Alma
1968 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1968 Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad U.S. quarter and an important transition-year issue. This year marks the return of mint marks and the resumption of proof coin production at the San Francisco Mint. Value depends on condition, mint mark, and errors rather than metal content.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1968
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Core: pure copper)
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded (copper visible on edge)
- Designer: John Flanagan
Mint Marks
The 1968 Washington Quarter was struck at three U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark – Proof issues only)
Mint marks are located on the obverse, to the right of Washington’s ponytail.
1968 Washington Quarter Value
Because this coin contains no silver, value is based primarily on condition and strike quality.
- Circulated (Good–Fine): Face value ($0.25)
- Extremely Fine: $0.50 – $1
- About Uncirculated: $1 – $2
- Mint State (MS-60+): $3 – $25+
- Proof (San Francisco): $5 – $20+
High-grade Mint State coins and deep cameo proofs can sell for more.
Clad Composition and Melt Value
The 1968 Washington Quarter contains no precious metal. Its melt value is minimal, so collectors focus on grade, mint mark, and eye appeal rather than metal prices.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition / Grade: The biggest factor in pricing
- Mint Mark: Proof coins and high-grade Mint State examples bring premiums
- Strike Quality: Sharper details increase desirability
- Originality: Uncleaned, original surfaces are preferred
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
The 1968 quarter is known for a variety of collectible errors.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through grease or debris
- Wrong planchet errors (rare and valuable)
Major errors can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on type and condition.
How to Identify a 1968 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1968) on the obverse
- Look for a mint mark near Washington’s ponytail (or none for Philadelphia)
- Check the edge for a visible copper stripe
- Examine luster and surface quality
Is the 1968 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1968 Washington Quarters are worth face value, but Mint State coins, Proof issues, and major errors can be worth significantly more. This year is especially notable as the return of mint marks and proof coinage.