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The 1964-D Washington Quarter, certified MS66 by NGC, holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history as part of the last year that quarters were struck in 90% silver. The Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932 to honor George Washington's 200th birthday, had become a fixture of American coinage by the mid-20th century. The 1964-D issue from the Denver Mint is significant because it represents the end of the silver era in U.S. coinage, as rising silver prices and changes in economic policy led to the transition to copper-nickel clad quarters in 1965. In high grades like MS66, the 1964-D Washington Quarter stands out for its exceptional preservation and quality, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The obverse of the 1964-D Washington Quarter features the classic profile of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington is depicted in a right-facing bust, his calm and dignified expression reflecting his role as the nation’s first president and a symbol of leadership. Above his portrait is the word "LIBERTY," and to the left of his profile is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." The date "1964" is prominently displayed at the bottom of the obverse. The simplicity of the obverse design has allowed it to endure as a cornerstone of American coinage for decades. In the MS66 grade, the details of Washington’s hair, facial features, and the surrounding inscriptions are exceptionally sharp, with no signs of wear or circulation. The coin's luster is brilliant, giving it an attractive sheen that enhances its overall visual appeal.
The reverse of the 1964-D Washington Quarter features the iconic image of a heraldic eagle, another hallmark of the Washington Quarter series. The eagle is perched on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing the strength and readiness of the United States to defend itself, while olive branches encircle the arrows, representing peace. Above the eagle’s head are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is inscribed at the bottom of the reverse. The reverse design is both powerful and elegant, encapsulating the ideals of the nation through classical imagery. In this MS66 example, the details of the eagle’s feathers, the arrows, and the olive branches are crisp and well-defined, with the coin’s strong strike further enhancing its appeal.
The 1964-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, as indicated by the "D" mint mark on the reverse, just below the olive branches and to the right of the eagle’s tail. The Denver Mint, which had been producing U.S. coinage since 1906, played a critical role in minting quarters for circulation across the country, particularly in the western states. In 1964, the Denver Mint produced an impressive 704,135,528 Washington Quarters, one of the highest mintages of the series. Despite this large mintage, finding quarters from 1964 in high grades like MS66 is challenging, as many of these coins were heavily circulated. The Denver Mint was known for producing coins with strong strikes, and this 1964-D quarter reflects that quality, with its sharp details and clean surfaces.
The mintage of the 1964-D Washington Quarter took place during a time of economic change in the United States, as the rising price of silver made it increasingly costly for the U.S. Mint to produce silver coinage. This led to the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965, which removed silver from circulating dimes and quarters, replacing them with copper-nickel clad coins. As a result, the 1964-D Washington Quarter is one of the last quarters struck in 90% silver, making it a highly sought-after coin for collectors who appreciate its historical significance. The silver content, combined with its connection to the end of an era in U.S. coinage, gives the 1964-D quarter added value and importance in numismatic collections.
The 1964-D Washington Quarter graded MS66 by NGC is a superb example of this final silver issue, showcasing the quality of craftsmanship from the Denver Mint during this transitional period. MS66 (Mint State 66) is a high grade that indicates the coin has no signs of wear and retains its original mint luster. Only minimal contact marks or abrasions may be visible under magnification, as is typical for coins stored in bulk at the mint. The brilliant luster, sharp strike, and clean surfaces make this coin a visually striking piece. The high level of preservation and attention to detail in both the obverse and reverse designs contribute to its overall appeal, making it a standout among 1964 Washington Quarters.
The 1964-D Washington Quarter in MS66 condition, certified by NGC, is an important and visually stunning piece of U.S. numismatic history. As one of the last silver quarters struck before the transition to clad coinage, it holds a special place in the Washington Quarter series and in the broader context of American monetary history. The enduring design by John Flanagan, featuring George Washington on the obverse and the heraldic eagle on the reverse, remains a timeless symbol of the nation’s values and heritage. The coin’s sharp details, brilliant luster, and high grade make it a valuable addition to any collection of classic U.S. coinage, appealing to both collectors and history enthusiasts alike.