Gold-Plated/Non-Gold 1964 Washington Quarter
Coin (Numismatic/Curio) · Yellow Gold Plated (if gold at all). The color suggests a thin deposit of gold over a silver or copper-nickel core.
Purity: 0K - Non-precious (Plated). This item appears to be a standard 1964 US Quarter made of 90% silver that has been aftermarket gold-plated or is a base metal replica.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Curio)
Purity
0K - Non-precious (Plated). This item appears to be a standard 1964 US Quarter made of 90% silver that has been aftermarket gold-plated or is a base metal replica.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Plated (if gold at all). The color suggests a thin deposit of gold over a silver or copper-nickel core.
Weight
6.25 grams (standard weight for a 1964 90% silver quarter).
Description
This is a 1964 Washington Quarter that has been altered with a yellow-toned finish to mimic gold. While the 1964 quarter is famous for being the final year of 90% silver circulating coinage in the US, it was never officially minted in gold by the US Treasury.
Key Features
Washington's profile on the obverse; 1964 date; yellow metallic hue not native to the original mint specifications.
Color & Finish
Pale yellow with a metallic luster; appears to have a semi-polished surface consistent with aftermarket galvanic plating or chemical dipping.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks. Only standard coin inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1964'.
Dimensions Estimate
24.26 mm diameter, 1.75 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (standard coin finishing).
Chain & Links
Standard reeded edge with approximately 119 reeds.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard US Mint die strike; aftermarket electroplating likely performed by a third-party novelty company.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: No gold quarters were ever minted for circulation. 1964 quarters are 90% silver. The yellow color is a total surface modification.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint (likely Philadelphia, as no mint mark is visible).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Original strike date 1964); however, gold plating is a contemporary modification.
Age Estimate
Original coin is 60 years old (1964); plating date is unknown but likely recent (past 20 years).
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the transition in American monetary history from precious metal coinage to fiat-based clad materials.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) circulation wear. The plating appears thin and somewhat uneven, with blurring on high points like Washington's hair.
Value Estimate
Melt value of the silver core (~$5 USD based on silver spot) plus a small premium for the novelty plating, though plating often reduces numismatic value to serious collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish, as it will strip the thin gold plating. Clean only with a soft cloth and mild soap if necessary.
Similar Items
Standard 1964 Silver Quarter (White/Silver color); 24K Gold American Eagle (Actual gold bullion); Platinum Plated Quarters.
Interesting Facts
1964 was the last year the US Mint used 90% silver for quarters and dimes before switching to copper-nickel clad in 1965.