1964 Washington Quarter Dollar 90% Silver
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint
Pattern: Washington Quarter (1932-Present)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard 1964 900 Fine Silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Weight: Approx. 6.25 grams (0.1808 troy oz actual silver weight).
Description
A 1964 Washington Quarter, notable as the final year the United States produced circulating 90% silver quarters before transitioning to copper-nickel clad compositions. The obverse displays the left-facing profile of George Washington.
Key Features
1964 date; Silver luster; Reeded edge without visible copper core stripe; Significant as the last 90% silver circulation quarter.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard 1964 900 Fine Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish; Obverse features George Washington bust based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1785 statue. Includes 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint); Date 1964; Designer initials JF (John Flanagan) at neck base.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure dies at the United States Mint. Reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping/shaving of silver; Legal tender currency.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck precision; High-relief details typical of 1960s minting standards before low-relief dies were introduced for clad coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic silver ring sound when dropped; 1964 date correlates with silver specifications; Luster consistent with 900 fine alloy; No visible copper sandwich on edge.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States: Philadelphia Mint (indicated by absence of mint mark).
Era & Period
Cold War Era / Transition of American Coinage; Post-War Neoclassical design.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1964 (or early 1965 dated as 1964 due to the Coinage Act of 1965).
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the end of precious metal circulating currency in the US; Represents the economic shift during the LBJ administration and the rising price of silver.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; Moderate surface wear on hair details and high points of the bust; Light tarnish; Minor rim dings present; Overall Good to Very Good (G-VG) grade.
Value Estimate
$4.50 to $6.00 (primarily based on silver melt value/spot price; higher for uncirculated specimens).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish numismatic items as it destroys collector value; Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent sulfur-based tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1965 Clad Quarter (identifiable by copper edge and no silver content); 1932-1963 Silver Quarters (same composition, earlier dates).
Interesting Facts
1964 quarters were minted in record numbers (over 1.2 billion) and production continued well into 1965 to address a national coin shortage while maintaining the 1964 date.