1966 SMS Washington Quarter

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1966

Denomination

Quarter

Mint Mark

Strike Type

SMS

Series

Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998

Designer

John Flanagan

Mintage

2,200,000

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center

Weight

5.67g

Diameter

24.3mm

Edge

Reeded

Auction Record

$3,738 MS67 10-24-2006 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1966 SMS Washington Quarter is a Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998 series. The U.S. Mint produced 2.2 million examples, making this the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% of total production. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. This Special Mint Set (SMS) coin was produced from 1965 to 1967 as a substitute for proof coins during the transition from silver to clad coinage, featuring a distinctive satin-like finish between business strike and proof quality. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $3,738 MS67 10-24-2006 Heritage Auctions. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 5.67 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #95998.