The 1969 Washington Quarter is composed of a 91.67% copper core and 8.33% nickel coating. This composition replaced the earlier silver versions of the coin. The obverse features a bust of George Washington, inspired by Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1786 sculpture, facing left.
The word “LIBERTY” is printed above his head, and below the bust, the year “1969” is inscribed. The country’s motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” is located to the left of Washington.
On the reverse, an eagle rests on a sheaf of arrows, with its head and arrows pointing left. Below the eagle are two olive branches arranged in a U-shape. “United States of America” surrounds the top of the coin, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed below the eagle. “QUARTER DOLLAR” is at the base. The edge of the 1969 Washington Quarter is reeded.
In 1969, significant events like the Apollo 11 moon landing and Woodstock, as well as The Beatles’ final album, Abbey Road, took place.
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1969 Washington Quarter Varieties
- 1969 Quarter Without Mint Mark
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Quantity Minted: 176,212,000
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
- Weight: 5.67g
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- 1969 D Quarter
- Minted in: Denver
- Quantity Minted: 114,372,000
- Composition and specifications are the same as the no mint mark variety.
- 1969 S Proof Quarter
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Quantity Minted: 2,934,631
- This variety is typically more valuable due to its proof condition.
Common 1969 Quarter Errors
- Doubled Die Error
A rare error that can make a 1969 quarter worth $125 or more. Look for doubling in the coin’s lettering, eagle’s feathers, Washington’s eye, and hairline. - Broadstrike Error
This error results in a quarter without reeded edges, appearing flatter and wider. Such coins can be worth $25 or more. - Off-Center Strike
Off-center strikes can range from minor (1-5%) to significant (up to 90%). A 10-20% off-center quarter might be valued at $20-30, while a 50% off-center one could fetch $150 or more.
Value of 1969 Quarters Today
- Melt Value: The copper-nickel composition results in a low melt value of about $0.052. However, the actual worth of a 1969 quarter depends on condition, errors, and rarity.
- Circulated Coins: Worth face value unless errors are present.
- Uncirculated Coins: Can be valued between $5 and $50+.
- 1969 D Quarters: Uncirculated examples may fetch $4 to $18+.
- 1969 Proof Quarters: Average value is around $2-$3, but mint-condition examples can be worth $100 or more.
Understanding Coin Grading
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from P-1 (Poor) to MS-70 (Mint State Perfect). Some key grades include:
- G-4 (Good): Worn, but key details are visible.
- VF-20 (Very Fine): Moderately worn with some finer details visible.
- EF-40 (Extremely Fine): Slight wear, with bold details.
- MS-65 (Mint State Choice): Uncirculated with excellent luster and minimal blemishes.
Where to Buy or Sell 1969 Quarters
Common 1969 quarters can be bought or sold on platforms like eBay or Etsy for a few dollars. For rare or error coins, specialized dealers or auctions like Heritage Auctions are recommended to avoid fraud.
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Are 1969 Quarters Rare?
Though the 1969 quarter had a mintage of approximately 176 million, finding one in high uncirculated grades can be challenging. Rare coins graded MS-66 or higher are valuable, with the last MS-67 sold in 2001 for $825, and such coins could be worth much more today.
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.