1965 marked the first year of issue for Washington quarters struck on the new clad or “sandwich†metal planchets. The Mint abandoned the previous silver standard in response to the high price of silver. The melt value of pre-1965 coins soon exceeded their face value and virtually all disappeared from circulation overnight. Production in this and subsequent years was very high to replace the silver coins which were no longer being used. Clad coins can be distinguished easily by the copper-colored band along the edge. These new coins were found to be acceptable for vending machines, which was a significant consideration at the time.
The Denver mint also produced coins this year, however no mintmark was added so these are indistinguishable from the Philadelphia issues. No proofs were minted.
In addition to the new planchets, a new reverse hub C was put into use and is found on all 1965 quarters.
SMS - Special Mint Sets were produced by the San Francisco Mint (without mintmarks). Mint state coins have a proof-like surface.
Varieties: Doubled die obverse. (FS#25¢-026)
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Special Mint Set |
| 1,819,717,540 | 2,360,000 |