Washington Quarter (Clad Series)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1965
Denomination: 0.25 USD
Composition: Clad (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers over a pure copper core)
Brief Description
A 1965 United States quarter showing George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Historical Significance
1965 marked the first year the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver coinage to copper-nickel clad composition due to silver shortages and the rising price of silver bullion.
Estimated Value
$0.25 (face value) in circulated condition; $1-$30 in high uncirculated (MS-65+) grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'toning' or PVC damage from soft plastic holders.
Mint Mark
None (No mint marks were used on 1965-1967 U.S. coins to discourage hoarding; struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco).
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Approximately 1,819,717,540 pieces minted.
Weight & Diameter
5.67 grams; 24.26 mm
Edge
Reeded (119 reeds)
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine (VF); Shows significant wear on Washington's hair and the eagle's breast feathers, but all legends are legible.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of George Washington facing left, with 'LIBERTY' above, 'IN GOOD WE TRUST' to the left, and '1965' below. Designed by John Flanagan.
Reverse (Back)
An eagle with wings spread perched on a bundle of arrows, with olive branches below. Legends 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most 1965 quarters are only worth face value. Value increases only for high-grade uncirculated examples or rare error coins.
Similar Coins
1964 Washington Quarter (90% silver). Distinguishable by the 1964 date and the absence of a copper-colored 'sandwich' stripe on the edge.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check the edge for the copper core stripe. Weigh the coin (should be ~5.67g). Be wary of 'silver-plated' 1965 quarters sold as rarities.
Notable Varieties & Errors
A very rare transitional error exists where 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on 90% silver blanks left over from 1964.
Created At: 2026-06-13T21:11:26.123280