1995 Quarter Value: Legendary 25-Cent Coin

Most 1995 quarters buy nothing more than pocket lint — but condition is everything.

The 1995 quarter belongs to the George Washington coin series struck from 1932 to 1998 prior to the introduction of the Statehood program.

Production took place at three main mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).

Regular strike coins feature a copper-nickel cladding on a copper core, excluding the presence of precious metals in standard issues.

And, yes, the specimens retaining the original mint luster without visible damage are valued significantly higher than the face 1995 quarter value.

The enormous output exceeding two billion pieces makes the coin accessible in any condition except for the highest categories of preservation.

Distribution of Mintage by Mint Mark

Each mint contributed significantly to the total mass of coins found in circulation.

• Philadelphia (1995-P): 1,004,336,000 pieces struck.

• Denver (1995-D): 1,103,219,000 pieces struck.

• San Francisco (1995-S Proof): 2,112,503 pieces struck (copper-nickel alloy).

• San Francisco (1995-S Silver Proof): 679,985 pieces struck (90% silver).

Silver versions of 1995 intended exclusively for collector sets possess a weight of 6.25 grams.

Copper-Nickel Issues (P and D)

The numismatic premium for Philadelphia and Denver coins begins forming only upon reaching the MS65 grade.

1995-P and 1995-D

Market data indicate that Denver (D) quarters in higher grades are found less frequently than Philadelphia ones.

This creates a price gap of 10-15% in favor of coins with the D mark under equal preservation indicators.

Auction Records and Price Dynamics

Record sales of 1995 quarters are recorded in the segment of coins possessing exceptional surface characteristics.

In 2019, at a Heritage Auctions event, a 1995-D specimen in MS68 grade was realized for $2,820.

In 2022, a similar 1995-P quarter in MS67+ condition sold for $1,140.

Statistical analysis shows the following value changes over the last five years:

• MS65-MS66 Grades: Stability with fluctuations of +/- 2% per year.

• MS67 Grade: Growth by 5% annually following the gradual absorption of available specimens by private archives.

• MS68 Grade: High volatility depending on the appearance of specific lots at major auctions.

Investment potential for regular strike coins is limited to a narrow circle of certified Top Pop specimens.

Collector Issues from San Francisco (1995-S)

Proof quality coins differ by having a mirrored field and a frosted relief image.

The 1995-S Silver Proof version has an intrinsic value tied to the precious metal rate along with a numismatic markup.

The price difference between PR69 and PR70 grades is caused by the absence of even microscopic defects in the latter category.

The quantity of 1995-S Silver coins in perfect condition (PR70) constitutes less than 5% of the total volume of inspected specimens.

Minting Errors and Production Defects

Identifying errors on 1995 quarters allows increasing the coin's value manifold even in average condition.

Confirmed and valuable types of defects include:

• Off-Center Strike: Image displacement of 10-25% is valued at $40-$100. Upon displacement exceeding 50% with the date preserved, the price can reach $250.

• Die Cap: An error occurring when a coin sticks to the die resulting in it deforming subsequent blanks. Value varies from $150 to $400.

• Broadstruck: Minting outside the retaining collar leading to an expansion of the coin's diameter. Valued at $20-$50.

• Double Struck: A repeated strike of the die with displacement. Specimens with a clear second image cost from $100 to $300.

The presence of these defects confirmed by an independent laboratory certificate guarantees asset liquidity on specialized platforms.

Grading and Preservation Assessment Criteria

Applying a detailed inspection method with the best coin value app is necessary for determining the real value of a 1995 quarter.

First, the presence of wear on the highest points of relief is checked: Washington's hair above the ear and the eagle's breast on the reverse.

Discovery of friction signs (metal texture changes) automatically excludes the coin from the Mint State category.

Next, the quantity and depth of contact marks (bag marks) obtained by the coin during contact with other specimens in mint bags are analyzed.

An ideal 1995 quarter must possess the following features:

• Full, undamaged mint luster over the entire area.

• Minimal quantity of small scratches located in non-critical zones (the coin field is preferable to the portrait face).

• Sharp rendering of the eagle's feathers and legend letters.

The percentage ratio of coins passing grading and receiving MS67 constitutes less than 0.1% of submitted applications.

1990s Issues

Within the context of the decade, the 1995 issue is not the lowest mintage, yet it demonstrates one of the lowest survival rates in MS68 condition.

For comparison, 1996 quarters in similar condition are found 1.5 times more frequently according to the coin scanner app 

This rarity in the highest grade causes a sharp price jump when transitioning from MS67 to MS68.

The annual influx of new coins into the highest grades slowed by 4% over the last three years, indicating the exhaustion of unopened bankroll supplies.

Conclusion

The 1995 quarter represents a typical example of a modern coin whose value depends entirely on surface quality.

Billion-piece mintages ensure the availability of ordinary specimens possessing no numismatic value beyond face value.

Primary financial interest is concentrated in the MS67+ segment for regular strikes and PR70 for collector sets.

An investment strategy based on searching for minting errors also remains relevant in view of the stable demand for defective coins.

Auction data confirm that rare states of the 1995 quarter retain positions as liquid assets, demonstrating resistance to market fluctuations.

Studying the population structure allows concluding that the deficit of flawless coins for this year will be maintained in the long-term perspective.