1965 25C SMS SP64 Certification #02811421, PCGS #5997

Jaime Hernandez

This is the first year in which the Mint struck Clad Quarters, as all pre 1965 Washington Quarters were made of 90% silver. The Mint did not strike Proof Sets or regular Mint Sets this year. Instead, the Mint struck Special Mint Sets in 1965, 1966 and 1967.

The 1965 Special Mint Sets were sold to the public at a price of $4.00 each. The set contained a total of five coins which included the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter and finally the Kennedy Half Dollar. All Special Mint Set coins were struck with specially sandblasted dies that gave them a satin like appearance. Most coins were of superb quality and even today, most examples remain in high uncirculated condition.

From the three different years that the Special Mint Set Quarters were produced the 1965 SMS Quarter seems to be the second scarcest as far as condition goes. There are approximately 60 coins that have surfaced in MS68 grade with none higher. Only the 1967 seems to be tougher as fewer than 50 examples have graded MS68 or higher.