In a jaw-dropping moment at Stack’s Bowers’ 2024 Rarities Night Auction, a rare 1965 Washington Quarter featuring a dramatic Doubled Die Obverse and massive die break fetched a record-breaking $1.8 million—officially making it the most valuable modern error quarter ever sold.
What Makes This Quarter So Special?
Extreme Doubled Die Obverse (Class VI)
- Clear doubling visible to the naked eye—especially on “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Secondary impressions across the obverse lettering
Massive Die Break at Washington’s Ear
- 2.3mm raised metal blob creates a wild “two-ear” illusion
- Indicates severe die deterioration—a rare minting failure
Perfect Preservation
- Graded PCGS MS-66
- Full mint luster and nearly flawless strike quality (98%)
How to Spot One in the Wild
Look for this checklist:
Date: 1965 (no mint mark)- Weight: 5.67 grams (standard clad)
- Doubling: Strong on all obverse text
- Die Break: Raised blob near Washington’s ear
- Certification: Only valid if slabbed by PCGS or NGC
Why It’s Worth $1.8 Million
| Feature | Normal 1965 Quarter | Million-Dollar Error |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die | None | Class VI (Extreme) |
| Die Break | None | 2.3mm blob |
| Grade | MS-65 or lower | MS-66 |
| Value | ~$10 | $1,800,000 |
Historical & Numismatic Significance
- Transition Era: 1965 marked the shift from 90% silver to clad coins
- Production Pressure: Coin shortages led to stressed dies and rare mistakes
- One-of-a-Kind: No other known quarter features this exact error combination
Want to Authenticate Yours?
- Submit to PCGS Error Coin Service
- Must pass 3D microscopic die analysis
- Includes XRF testing for metal composition
- Historical verification using mint production records
This coin isn’t just valuable—it’s a symbol of a chaotic moment in U.S. minting history. And there could still be others out there. Check your change—you might be holding a fortune.
