The 1969 Washington Quarter is made from 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Unlike earlier versions that contained silver, the 1969 quarter has a copper core with a nickel coating.
On the front (obverse) side, you’ll see George Washington’s profile facing left, inspired by a sculpture made in 1786 by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Above his head is the word “LIBERTY,” and below his bust is the year “1969.” To the left of Washington is the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
On the reverse side, there’s an eagle with an Art Deco-style design, resting on a sheaf of arrows. Olive branches are arranged at the base of the eagle in a U-shape.
The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears under the eagle, with “United States of America” written along the top edge and “QUARTER DOLLAR” at the bottom. The coin also features a reeded edge.
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Varieties of the 1969 Washington Quarter
- 1969 Quarter With No Mint Mark
These quarters were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, with 176,212,000 minted. They weigh 5.67 grams, have a diameter of 24.3 mm, and are 1.95 mm thick. They are made of the same copper and nickel composition as other quarters from this period. - 1969 D Quarter
Produced at the Denver Mint, this version had a smaller mintage of 114,372,000. - 1969 S Proof Quarter
This proof quarter was minted in San Francisco, with a mintage of 2,934,631. Proof coins are typically shinier and have more detail than regular strikes.
Common Errors in 1969 Quarters
- Doubled Die Error
A rare and valuable error where doubling occurs in the coin’s text or design. Look for doubling in the letters or Washington’s hairline. Coins with this error can be worth around $125 or more. - Broadstrike Error
This error occurs when the quarter is minted without the ridged edge, making it appear flatter and wider. Broadstrike errors can sell for $25 or more. - Off-Center Strike
One of the most recognizable errors, where the design is off-center. Coins with a slight off-center strike (around 10-20%) might be worth $20 to $30, while more extreme off-center strikes can fetch up to $150.
Value of the 1969 Washington Quarter
The standard 1969 quarter’s melt value is very low—around $0.052—since it contains no precious metals like silver. However, its actual value can be much higher depending on condition, rarity, and specific errors.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values for 1969 quarters:
| Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) | Circulated | Face Value ($0.25) |
| Uncirculated | $5 to $50+ | |
| Denver Mint (D) | Circulated | Face Value |
| Uncirculated | $4 to $18+ | |
| Proof Quarters (S) | Average | $2 to $3 |
| Mint Condition | $100+ |
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How Coins Are Graded
Coins are graded using the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from P-1 (poor) to MS-70 (perfect mint state). Here are some common grades:
- P-1 (Poor): Barely recognizable, often heavily worn and damaged.
- G-4 (Good): Very worn, but the main design and inscriptions are still visible.
- EF-40 (Extremely Fine): Shows light wear but retains clear details.
- MS-60 (Mint State Basal): No wear, but may have visible scratches or nicks.
- MS-70 (Mint State Perfect): Perfect condition with no visible flaws, even under magnification.
Where to Buy or Sell 1969 Quarters
You can find or sell 1969 quarters on websites like eBay and Etsy. However, if you think you have a rare quarter with an error, it’s a good idea to consult with coin collecting forums or professional dealers like Heritage Auctions to avoid fraud.
Are There Any Rare 1969 Quarters?
While the 1969 Washington quarter is not rare, high-grade examples are hard to find due to poor strike quality in that year. Only a few MS-66 and MS-67 quarters have been graded by PCGS since 1986, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In February 2001, an MS-67 grade quarter sold for $825. Today, these rare, high-grade coins could sell for several thousand dollars.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.