1966 Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Eagle Reverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Material
Clad Composition: Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. Contains zero silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm. Standard weight: 5.67 grams. Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Description
A standard United States circulating quarter dollar. While it resembles silver in color due to the nickel coating, this 1966 issue was part of the first wave of non-precious metal coinage introduced to replace sterling and coin silver denominations.
Key Features
Clad 'copper-sandwich' edge visible upon side inspection; lack of mint mark; date of 1966.
Material & Composition
Clad Composition: Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. Contains zero silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Features the profile of George Washington by John Flanagan on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date stamped '1966'. No mint mark (typical for Philadelphia production in 1966). 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on obverse.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a multi-layered clad planchet (sandwich metal) using industrial coinage presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for security and ease of stacking; legal tender currency.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage form).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced industrial coinage; mid-20th-century die-sinking technology.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for 1966 US coinage; presence of copper-colored edge (visible through wear) confirms non-silver status.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Post-Silver Transition Era (1965-Present). Following the Coinage Act of 1965.
Age Estimate
Dated 1966; approximately 58 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the end of circulating precious metal currency in the United States and the shift toward fiat-based token coinage.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. Heavy environmental damage, significant surface corrosion (verdigris/oxidation), and substantial wear. The 'dirty' appearance suggests it may have been buried or exposed to moisture.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 USD). Due to high mintage (over 821 million) and poor condition, it holds no numismatic premium or melt value.
Care & Maintenance
For this low-value circulating coin in poor condition, cleaning is not recommended as it can further damage the surface; store in a dry place to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1964 Washington Quarter (90% Silver), 1965 Washington Quarter (First Clad year), 1976 Bicentennial Quarter.
Interesting Facts
Quarters dated 1965, 1966, and 1967 did not have mint marks to discourage hoarding during the transition from silver to clad coinage.