In recent time coin collecting has been a popular hobby in the United States, with collectors eagerly searching for a unique coins that can be very expensive and valuable. The 1962 Washington quarter is one such coin that has attracted a lot of interest lately. This may appear to be just a regular 25-cent coin, but in some rare conditions this coin can be very valuable and can fetch up to $18,000 at auctions.
So what is reason behind this surprising value of this coin?, This amazing value comes from a minting mistake that happened during the material change in the 1960s. Although, finding this coin can be difficult and challenging, but if you find one this rare coin in good condition, then it can be a life changing moment for you.
The Origin of the Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter was first minted and introduced in 1932 to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, the coin features a profile of Washington on the obverse (front), with the inscription “In God We Trust” and the minting year. On the reverse (back), an eagle with outstretched wings is depicted, clutching olive branches, accompanied by the phrases “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Although, 90% of these quarters were made of silver. But in 1965, the U.S. government changed to a copper-nickel mix due to the rising price of silver. Fun-fact a few quarters from 1962 were still made with silver because some silver coin blanks were accidentally used during this transition. The minting errors during the making of the coin is what makes them so valuable.
Why Is This 1962 Quarter Worth Over $18,000?

The United States Gold Bureau stat that during the 1960s, when the U.S. was changing its coins from silver to copper-nickel, some silver planchets accidentally got into the minting presses. This was the reason that led the accidental creation of silver Washington quarters, and also the reason why coin collectors are willing to pay high prices for this rare coin.
The rarity and quality depends on their circulating condition, but in some condition they have been sold for over $18,000 at auctions. The coin collecting experts always advice that people should always check the condition first of the coin, and carefully examine the older quarters especially once from the 1962, to check if they were struck on silver planchets rather than the standard copper-nickel alloy.
Could You Have a Hidden Treasure?
You should always check the older coins carefully, specially from the early 1960s, it’s worth taking the time to carefully inspect them. A 1962 Washington quarter with a minting error could potentially be worth thousands of dollars, especially if it’s in good condition.
If you’re into coin collecting, experts suggest checking older coins carefully because a small dent or even a small little mistake on the coin can make you rich. Wonder if you have a rare silver 1962 Washington quarter? You can do a simple test or reach out to a specialist for help!
Coin Collecting: A Hobby and an Investment
Coin collecting has changed a lot recently. Not only a hobby, it can be a smart choice of investment. Over the period of time, the rare coins with minting mistakes, have increased in value. Now, both collectors and investors are looking at numismatics to mix things up in their investment portfolios.
The world of coin collecting is booming, and rare coins are becoming more valuable every day. This means that collecting coins is not just about preserving history anymore; it can also be a way to make money. With the right knowledge and a bit of luck, coin collectors can turn their hobby into a successful business.
Conclusion: A Simple Coin with a Big Value
The 1962 Washington quarter is a great example of of how a small minting mistake can turn an ordinary coin into something special. While it might look like just another 25-cent piece, coin collectors really treasure it because of its rarity and historical importance.
So, whether you’re a casual collector or an experienced numismatist, it’s always worth taking a closer look at the coins in your collection. You never know, one of them might just turn out to be a rare find worth a small fortune.
FAQs
Q. What is 1932 Washington Quarter?
A. The 1932 Washington Quarter is rare coin which was made to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
Q. Why is the 1962 Washington Quarter so valuable?
A. Some 1962 quarters were mistakenly struck on silver planchets during a metal transition, making them rare and worth up to $18,000.
Q. Was the Washington Quarter always made of silver?
A. Yes, until 1964. Starting in 1965, the U.S. switched to copper-nickel due to rising silver prices.
Q. Is coin collecting profitable?
A. It can be. Rare coins like the 1962 silver quarter have sold for thousands, making coin collecting both a fun hobby and a potential investment.