The 1961 quarter is a unique and valuable piece of American history. It was the first ever quarter to feature President Washington, whose likeness has been featured on all US quarters since 1932. The 1961 quarter also saw the introduction of some important design changes, making it an interesting coin for numismatists and collectors alike.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 1961 quarter value, its features (both obverse and reverse), any errors or varieties that may exist, as well as what makes it rare and valuable in good condition. We’ll look at 1961-dated quarters from both circulation strikes (Washington) as well as Proofs from mint sets. So whether you’re just starting out in coin collecting or already have a few coins under your belt – buckle up! Let’s dive into the exciting world of 1961 quarters!
1961 Quarter Details
- Category: Washington quarters
- Mints: Philadelphia, Denver
- Total mintage: 126,749,416
- Obverse designer: John Flanagan
- Reverse designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 24.3 millimeters (0.96 inches)
- Thickness: 1.75 millimeters (0.069 inches)
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
The 1961 quarter is also known as a Washington quarter because it features the first president, George Washington, on its obverse. Also on the obverse is the year 1961, as well as the motto “In God We Trust” and the phrase “Liberty.” On the reverse of the 1961 quarter, there are also several prominent features: a bald eagle with a bundle of arrows in his talons and the phrases, “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and “Quarter Dollar.”
A 1961 quarter is a coin that has President Washington on one side and a bald eagle on the other. It is 24.3 millimeters (0.96 inches) wide, has a standard thickness of 1.75 millimeters (0.069 inches) and it has a reeded edge. It weighs 6.25 grams and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, which is different from modern coins as they have been made from cupro nickel since 1964.
1961 quarters from Philadelphia and Denver mints are both circulated and valuable and were designed by the sculptor John Flanagan.
1961 Quarter Value Chart |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1961 “No Mint Mark” Quarter | $8.89 | $8.89 | $8.89 | $19 |
| 1961 “D” Quarter | $8.89 | $8.89 | $8.89 | $21 |
| 1961 Proof Quarter | / | / | / | $15 |
1961 Quarter Value and Varieties
The 1961 quarter was minted in both Philadelphia and Denver Mints, with the 1961-D quarter being the more common variety. 1961 quarters can range from very little value up to thousands of dollars depending on their condition, features, errors, and varieties. We will cover error coins in a future section, but for now, let’s look at the most common varieties of the 1961 quarter:
1961 “No Mint Mark” Quarter
- Type: Washington quarter
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1961
- Face value: $0.25
- $ price: $8.89 to $19
- Quantity produced: 40,064,244
- Designer: John Flanagan
The 1961 No Mint Mark quarter was minted in Philadelphia and does not have a mint mark. With 40,064,244 coins produced, it is the second most common 1961 quarter variety and worth quite a bit of money, all things considered.
In “Good” condition, these 1961 No Mint Mark quarters are worth around $8.89. It continues to be worth about $8.89 in “Fine” condition as well as in “Extremely Fine” condition. If these coins remain in “Uncirculated” condition, which means that they have not been circulated in the general public, then they can fetch from about $12 up to $19 or more.
However, a coin as impressive as this could fetch an even larger amount. A similar one was recently sold at auction for over $9,700 – imagine the possibilities!
1961 “D” Quarter
- Type: Washington quarter
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: D
- Place of minting: Denver
- Year of minting: 1961
- Face value: $0.25
- $ price: $8.85 to $21
- Quantity produced: 86,656,928
- Designer: John Flanagan
The 1961 “D” quarter was minted in Denver and has a “D” mint mark at the bottom center of the reverse side. With 86,656,928 coins produced, it is the most common 1961 quarter variety and is worth less than its 1961 No Mint Mark counterpart – but not by much!
If your 1961 “D” quarters are in “Good” condition, they have an approximate value of $8.85 – a price which stays consistent regardless if the coins have been classified as “Fine,” or even as “Extremely Fine.” However, should these coins remain uncirculated to the public and preserved in their original state, you could fetch anywhere between $12 to over $21 for each one!
If you are really lucky, you may be able to sell a high graded coin like this for much more. One recently sold at an auction for over $8,400!
1961 “No Mint Mark” Proof Quarters
- Type: Washington quarter
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1961
- Face value: $0.25
- $ price: $15
- Quantity produced: 3,028,244
- Designer: John Flanagan
In 1961, a limited number of 1961 “No Mint Mark” quarters were also released as Proof coins. These coins are slightly different from the standard 1961 Washington quarters in that they have been polished and inspected more closely than regular 1961 quarters, and they are not intended for business circulation. As such, 1961 Proofs tend to be rarer and more valuable than their circulating counterparts.
If yours is in pristine condition, then it can fetch about $15!
History of the 1961 Quarter
The 1961 quarter was designed in 1932 by the sculptor John Flanagan to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. As we discussed earlier, the obverse, or front side of the 1961 quarter features a right-facing portrait of Washington, and the reverse bears an image of a bald eagle perched on a bunch of arrows, with its wings spread out to either side. It has been used on almost all quarters since then, with only minor tweaks made over time.
One of the interesting features of the 1961 quarters is that it was produced during a time when the San Francisco Mint was closed, which it was closed in 1955 for thirteen years. As such, 1961 quarters are all minted either in Philadelphia (with no mint mark) or Denver (with a “D” mint mark).
Another interesting feature is that it is composed of 90% silver, while most today are around 95% copper. This makes 1961 quarters more valuable than modern-day quarters.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation
1961 Quarter Grading
It is sometimes tricky to grade coins, which is why the everyday collector leaves that work to the experts. Adding more detail and facts to the 1961 quarter grading will help coin collectors and hobbyists accurately assess the condition and value of these coins. Coin grading ranges from “Good” to “Uncirculated”.
When it comes to 1961 quarters, those in “Good” condition will generally display significant wear, but their major details – such as George Washington’s portrait or the eagle on the reverse side – should still be visible. 1961 quarters that have been classified as “Fine” show some minor signs of circulation, but all major design elements remain in place.
1961 quarter coins that are graded as being in “Extremely Fine” condition will often look like they were just freshly minted yet also contain a few small signs of wear near its edges and on high-relief places, such as George Washington’s cheek and hair. 1961 quarter coins that have been graded at “Uncirculated” condition will appear completely untouched and retain their original luster and sheen!
Of course, the higher the grade, the more valuable the coin will be. You can get your coins graded by a professional coin grading service such as NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) to get an accurate assessment of their condition. 1961 quarters that have been graded by one of these services are highly sought after by coin collectors, and they can fetch a much higher price than those that have not been professionally graded.
Also Read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money
1961 Quarters Error Coins
1961 quarter errors could include all kinds of errors. An error coin is a 1961 quarter coin that has been struck with an error, such as double strikes, mis-strikes, or off center strikes. They are considered valuable by collectors and can command a premium price due to their rarity, especially if there is a bidding war at auction.
However, it is important to note that not all 1961 quarters errors will be worth significantly more than standard value. It really depends on the condition of the coin and possibly the provenance of the coin as well.
Let’s look at a few well known error coins from 1961.
1961 “D” Quarter – Repunched Mint Mark Error
One 1961 “D” quarter was discovered with a repunched mint mark error. It has two distinct impressions of the Denver Mint’s “D” mint mark, indicating that the coin die used to strike this coin had been reused and repunched at least twice. In order to see if your coin has this error, you may need to use a coin microscope.
This 1961 “D” quarter is rare and sought after by collectors. It recently brought in about $84 at auction.
Also Read: 10+ Rarest State Quarter Errors Lists (Worth Much Money!!!)
1961 Quarter Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have discussed 1961 quarter value, history and grading, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about 1961 quarters.
How Much is a 1961 Quarter Worth?
The value of a 1961 quarter depends on the condition and grade of the coin. Generally speaking, 1961 quarters in “Good” condition will fetch around $8-$15, those in “Fine” condition can go for about the same. Those in “Extremely Fine” also bring in the same amount, and then in “Uncirculated” condition, they can bring in over $20 (or even into the thousands if they are sold at auction)!
Are 1961 Quarters Made of Silver?
Yes, 1961 quarters are indeed made of silver. With a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, 1961 quarters are distinct from contemporary coins that typically contain 95% copper. This higher percentage of precious metal makes them more valuable than newer versions and thus can be worth far more in the market.
How Can I Get My 1961 Quarter Graded?
You can get your 1961 quarter graded by a professional coin grading service such as NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). With their expertise, they will evaluate the condition and worth of your 1961 quarter to make it more attractive for collectors, potentially increasing its value.
Where Can I Find 1961 Quarters to Purchase?
If you want a 1961 quarter, you can find them for sale through coin dealers, online auctions and websites, or in local coin shops. It’s essential to remember that 1961 quarters graded by a professional grading service will be worth more in comparison to those not professionally-graded. It is also important to examine the 1961 quarter carefully before making a purchase to make sure that it is in the condition as described – you don’t want to choose a coin that is a low grade, or worse, one that is counterfeit!
Should I Clean My 1961 Quarter?
No, you should never clean your 1961 quarter. It is strongly discouraged to clean, buff or otherwise modify the appearance of 1961 quarters, as it could damage it, as well as potentially leaving abrasive marks or residue on the coin’s surface. 1961 quarters must remain in their original condition in order to retain as much value as possible.
Cleaning a coin can detrimentally affect its worth. It is best to leave your 1961 quarter in its natural state, especially if you plan to sell it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you are a coin collector or not, 1961 quarters can be a great addition to any collection that is curated. This is because 1961 quarters offer collectors the opportunity to own a piece of history, as well as the potential to earn some money if their coins are in “Uncirculated” condition or have a rare error.
So if you come across an old 1961 quarter, make sure you don’t pass it up! You never know what it could be worth. Good luck with your 1961 quarter collection!
Have you ever owned or collected 1961 quarters? Tell us more in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
Quarter 1961 D DD ADDITIONAL METAL CHIP PRESSED INTO THE FORM DESIGN OF EAGLE
” UNITED STATES of AMERICA” is leaning letters one into another.
George has had some face and neck work done