1966 Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (John Flanagan Design)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Material
Clad Composition (not silver); 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 5.67 grams
Description
A standard circulating 1966 United States Quarter Dollar featuring the classic bust of George Washington. This piece represents the second year of the copper-nickel clad composition introduced to replace 90% silver coinage.
Key Features
Transition year clad composition, absence of silver content, John Flanagan obverse design, no mint mark
Material & Composition
Clad Composition (not silver); 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish; Relief features include George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse; Die-struck minting
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1966. No mint mark (typical for 1966 Philadelphia). Designer initials JF (John Flanagan) on truncation of bust
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a planchet using a multi-layered metal sandwich (clad) process
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting; standard legal tender currency in the United States
Handle & Grip Details
None; Circular flat planchet with reeded edges for physical identification and grip
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial strike with high-volume die execution; standard quality for circulating 1960s US currency
Authentication Indicators
Visual copper stripe on the edge (characteristic of clad); correct font and portrait style for 1966 dies; characteristic weight for non-silver quarters
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint
Era & Period
Modern Coinage Era (Post-Silver Transition)
Age Estimate
Dated 1966; 58 years old as of 2024
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the 1960s economic shift away from precious metal currency due to rising silver prices and the Coinage Act of 1965
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant surface wear, oxidation, environmental staining (green/brown coloration), and flattened details on the hair and date
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25). In this worn condition, it holds no premium for silver content or numismatic rarity
Care & Maintenance
Collectors advise against cleaning coins as it damages the surface and value; store in a dry, PVC-free flip if numismatic value is suspected
Similar Pieces
1964 Washington Quarter (90% silver, looks similar but has a metallic 'ring' sound and white silver edge); 1966 SMS (Special Mint Set) Quarters (sharper strikes with mirror-like fields)
Interesting Facts
From 1965 to 1967, the US Mint removed mint marks to discourage coin collecting during a national coin shortage; 1966 quarters were minted in huge quantities (over 800 million)