Price Guide for 1996 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $447.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $360.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $1,998.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.99 – $450.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $455.01
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $334.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $157.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $42.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $719.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $172.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $38.00
Design and Specifications of the 1996 Quarter
The 1996 Quarter continued the long-standing Washington Quarter design, which had been in use since 1932. This year marked the 64th anniversary of the Washington Quarter, showcasing the enduring legacy of the first U.S. President on American coinage. The year 1996 was significant as it was the last full year before the introduction of the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, which would bring major changes to the quarter’s reverse design.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad over a pure copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with spread wings, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1996 Quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. Circulation strikes in MS65 and below are relatively common, but coins in MS67 and above can command premium prices due to their scarcity. For proof coins, PR69 examples are readily available, but perfect PR70 specimens are scarce and highly sought after.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable- Luster: Coins with original mint luster are preferred- Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on high points and open fields, increase value- Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value
Mintage: 864,720,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily collected as part of date sets
Mintage: 808,252,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily collected as part of date sets
Mintage: 3,321,344
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, collected by proof set enthusiasts
While the 1996 Quarter is generally common, certain factors can increase its value:
1. High-grade specimens: MS67+ circulation strikes and PR70 proofs are scarce and valuable2. Full Steps designation: Coins with fully struck steps on Monticello can command a premium3. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs: Proof coins with strong contrast between fields and devices are more desirable4. Error coins: Although no major errors are known for this year, any discovered could be valuable5. Original rolls or mint sets: Unopened rolls or original mint sets may carry a premium
Collectors should note that while 1996 Quarters are not rare, finding high-grade examples can be challenging, making them appealing to condition rarity collectors.
