The 1962 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $0.25 in heavily worn condition to over $100 or more in pristine uncirculated grades. If you recently found one of these silver coins in a drawer, old purse, or coin collection, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it could be worth.
If you’re not sure what coin you’re holding, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly figure out the mint mark, date, and grade of your coin before you dig into values.
What Is the 1962 Washington Quarter With No Mint Mark?
The 1962 Washington Quarter with no mint mark was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. In those days, Philadelphia didn’t add a mint mark to its coins — so the absence of a letter beneath the eagle on the reverse is actually your confirmation that this coin came from Philly.
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 36 million of these quarters in 1962, making them relatively common in circulated grades. However, the key thing that makes every 1962 quarter interesting is its silver content.
Each Washington Quarter from this era is composed of 90% silver, meaning even a heavily worn coin carries real melt value. As silver prices fluctuate, these quarters are never truly worth “just a quarter.”
Silver Content and Melt Value
Every 1962 Washington Quarter — regardless of mint mark — contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
When silver is trading around $25 per troy ounce, the melt value alone sits near $4.50. If silver climbs higher, so does your coin’s base value.
This is why coin dealers and collectors refer to these as “junk silver” coins. The term sounds dismissive, but it simply means the coin’s value is tied more to its silver weight than its numismatic premium — unless, of course, yours is in exceptional condition.
1962 Washington Quarter Value by Grade
The condition of your coin matters enormously. A coin graded MS-65 (gem uncirculated) is worth dramatically more than a coin graded Good-4 (heavily worn).
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1962 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible | $4 – $5 (melt value) |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, details clear | $5 – $7 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $7 – $10 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Slight wear, mostly original luster | $10 – $15 |
| MS-63 | Uncirculated, minor contact marks | $20 – $35 |
| MS-65 | Gem uncirculated, sharp strike | $50 – $100+ |
For a deeper look at certified 1962 Washington Quarter prices across mint state grades, it’s worth reviewing recent auction records and population data to understand what the market is actually paying today.
How to Grade Your 1962 Quarter at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s grade.
Start by looking at Washington’s hair above his ear and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. If those details are flat and worn smooth, you’re likely dealing with a Good or Fine grade coin. If the lines are crisp and you can see fine detail, you may have an Extremely Fine or better example.
Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it gently. A coin that still shows original mint luster — that cartwheel-like sheen — is likely in About Uncirculated or Mint State condition.
For a more detailed breakdown of what your 1962 quarter is worth based on its specific condition, professional grading guides and visual comparison tools can be incredibly helpful.
CoinHix is one of the best tools for this. The CoinHix app lets you scan your coin and get instant value estimates based on real market data — perfect if you’re just starting out and want a quick, reliable answer without visiting a dealer.
Proof Versions and Special Strikes
In 1962, the Philadelphia Mint also produced Proof Washington Quarters as part of official proof sets. These were struck with special dies and polished planchets, giving them a mirror-like finish.
A 1962 Proof quarter in a PR-65 grade typically sells for $15 to $25, while deeper cameo proofs (PR-65 DCAM) can bring $50 or more. If your coin has an almost mirror-like surface and very sharp details, it might be a proof.
CoinHix can help you distinguish between a business-strike coin and a proof by comparing your coin’s appearance against reference images in its database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1962 Washington Quarter with no mint mark rare?
A: No, it’s not considered rare. Over 36 million were minted in Philadelphia. However, high-grade examples in MS-65 or better are scarcer and command strong premiums from collectors.
Q: How much silver is in a 1962 quarter?
A: A 1962 Washington Quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. At current silver prices, this gives every 1962 quarter an intrinsic melt value of roughly $4 to $5 or more, depending on the market.
Q: Where can I sell my 1962 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter?
A: You can sell to a local coin dealer, through online marketplaces like eBay, or at a coin show. For the best price, consider getting your coin graded by PCGS or NGC first if it appears to be in uncirculated condition — certified coins tend to sell for more.
