Inherited Type B Reverse Washington Quarters? What You Need to Know Before Selling

If you’ve just inherited a coin collection, your first instinct might be to take it to the nearest pawn shop. I understand the impulse — you want quick cash and a quick resolution. But before you do, let me walk you through how to properly assess what you’ve got. You might be sitting on far more than you realize.

As an estate liquidator who has handled hundreds of inherited coin collections, I can tell you that few areas of numismatics are as misunderstood — or as potentially profitable for heirs — as die varieties. Among the most frequently encountered yet routinely undervalued varieties in inherited Washington quarter collections are the so-called Type B reverse quarters, struck from 1956 through 1964. If you’ve recently inherited a collection of silver quarters, mint sets, or even loose change from a relative, there’s a meaningful chance that Type B reverse quarters are hiding in plain sight. And if you don’t know what to look for, you could easily hand them over to a pawn shop for melt value — or worse, fall victim to a scam — when they may be worth many times their face value to the right buyer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as an heir or executor: what Type B reverse quarters are, how to identify them, how inheritance tax applies to inherited coin collections, why professional appraisals are essential, how to avoid scams, and how to find the right auction house or dealer to maximize your return.

What Exactly Is a Type B Reverse Washington Quarter?

The Washington quarter, first issued in 1932, underwent numerous die changes throughout its silver era (1932–1964). Among the most collectible of these die varieties are the Type A, Type B, Type C, Type H, and Type M reverse designations, which refer to subtle but identifiable differences in the reverse (tails) side of the coin — specifically in the details of the eagle’s tail feathers, the lettering, and the arrangement of the olive branch and arrows.

The Type B reverse was introduced in 1956 as part of a broader effort by the U.S. Mint to improve die life and striking quality. The Type B reverse is characterized by several key pickup points that distinguish it from the earlier Type A reverse:

• Eagle’s tail feathers: On a Type B reverse, the eagle’s tail feathers are more rounded and less sharply defined compared to the Type A. The central tail feather is notably broader and more blunt.
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” lettering: The spacing and font of the motto differ subtly. On Type B reverses, the letters tend to be slightly more evenly spaced.
• Olive branch and arrows: The arrangement of the olive branch clutched in the eagle’s right talon and the bundle of arrows in the left talon shows minor positional differences that experienced variety collectors use for identification.
• Overall reverse design sharpness: Type B reverses were generally struck with newer, more refined dies, often resulting in a crisper appearance and stronger luster in well-preserved examples.

Type B reverse quarters were produced at the Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints from 1956 through 1964. The series is considered an excellent entry point for collectors interested in die varieties because the coins are relatively accessible, the identification points are well-documented, and completing a full date-and-mint set is achievable for most dedicated collectors.

Key Dates and Rarity in the Type B Reverse Series

Not all Type B reverse quarters are created equal. As an estate liquidator, I’ve seen heirs assume that all silver quarters are worth roughly the same — a dangerous assumption that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates and their relative scarcity:

The 1956 Type B — The Key Date

The 1956 Type B reverse quarter is widely regarded as the most difficult coin in the series to locate. Forum collectors consistently report that this is the date they’re still searching for, even after years of active hunting. In my experience grading and evaluating inherited collections, the 1956 Type B is the coin that most frequently surprises heirs who had no idea they owned something scarce. In lower grades, a 1956 Type B might bring $15–$40, but in MS65 or higher, values escalate dramatically. I’ve personally seen examples in MS66 condition sell for $200–$500 or more at auction, depending on eye appeal, strike quality, and the grading service.

The 1962 Type B — The Elusive Middle Date

While not as famous as the 1956, the 1962 Type B reverse has proven to be surprisingly elusive in the experience of many collectors. Several forum participants have noted that this date has been the hardest for them to acquire, with one collector reporting that they passed on an example because of poor condition and haven’t seen a suitable replacement since. This is a reminder that condition matters enormously — even for varieties that aren’t technically rare in absolute terms. A coin with strong eye appeal and original luster will always command a premium over a lackluster example, regardless of the date.

Common Dates: 1959, 1960, and Mint Set Examples

The 1959 and 1960 Type B reverse quarters are the most commonly encountered dates in the series, particularly in original mint sets. If your inherited collection includes unopened or intact U.S. Mint sets from these years, there’s a strong chance they contain Type B reverses. These dates are the most affordable in the series, typically ranging from $5 to $25 in uncirculated condition, but they form the backbone of any complete Type B set and should never be discarded or sold for melt. Their provenance as part of an original government pack adds to their collectibility.

The 1964-D Type C — A Related Variety Worth Knowing

While not a Type B, the 1964-D Type C reverse is a closely related variety that collectors of Type B quarters often pursue as well. It’s described by experienced collectors as “easy to spot” and can be quite valuable in high grades. If you’re sorting through inherited quarters, keep an eye out for this variety as well — it’s another example of how a keen eye for die details can uncover hidden numismatic value in an ordinary-looking collection.

Inheritance Tax and Your Coin Collection: What Executors Need to Know

One of the most overlooked aspects of inheriting a coin collection is the tax implications. As an estate liquidator, I cannot stress this enough: before you sell a single coin, you need to understand how inheritance tax (or estate tax) applies to the collection you’ve received.

Fair Market Value and the Stepped-Up Basis

In the United States, inherited property — including coin collections — receives a “stepped-up” cost basis to its fair market value (FMV) as of the date of the decedent’s death. This is critically important for tax purposes. If your grandmother purchased a roll of 1956 Washington quarters in 1956 for $10, and those quarters are now worth $2,000, your cost basis for capital gains tax purposes is $2,000 — not $10. This means that if you sell the collection immediately at appraised value, you’ll owe little to no capital gains tax.

However, if you wait several years to sell and the market appreciates further, you’ll owe capital gains tax on the difference between the sale price and the stepped-up basis established at the time of inheritance. This is one reason why I always recommend that heirs obtain a professional appraisal as soon as possible after inheritance — it establishes the baseline value for tax purposes and protects you down the road.

Estate Tax Thresholds

For 2024, the federal estate tax exemption is approximately $13.61 million per individual. This means that most inherited coin collections will not trigger federal estate tax. However, some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes with much lower thresholds. If you’re the executor of an estate, consult with a tax professional to determine whether any state-level obligations apply.

Documenting the Collection for Tax Purposes

When I appraise an inherited collection for estate purposes, I provide a detailed written report that includes:

• A complete inventory of all coins, with dates, mint marks, denominations, and conditions
• Fair market value estimates for each item, based on recent comparable sales
• Identification of any die varieties, errors, or other numismatic features that affect value
• Photographs of key items
• A summary of the collection’s total estimated value

This documentation is essential for filing estate tax returns (Form 706, if applicable) and for establishing the stepped-up basis for future sales. Do not rely on a pawn shop’s verbal offer or a quick online search — these are not acceptable substitutes for a professional appraisal.

Why Professional Appraisals Are Non-Negotiable

I’ve seen too many heirs lose significant money by skipping the appraisal step. Here’s why a professional appraisal is essential when dealing with an inherited coin collection that may contain Type B reverse quarters or other varieties:

Variety Identification Requires Expertise

As the forum discussions make clear, Type B reverse quarters were not always recognized by the major third-party grading services (TPGS). PCGS and NGC did not consistently attribute Type B reverses for a number of years, which means that many Type B quarters exist in holders without the variety designation. An experienced numismatist or professional appraiser can identify these unattributed varieties — and the difference in value between an attributed and unattributed Type B quarter can be substantial.

For example, a 1956 Washington quarter in an MS66 holder might sell for $75–$100 without a Type B attribution. The same coin, properly attributed as a Type B reverse, could bring $200–$500 or more. That’s a potential loss of hundreds of dollars on a single coin — and if your inherited collection contains multiple Type B quarters, the cumulative loss from failing to identify them could be significant.

Grading Accuracy Affects Value Exponentially

In my experience grading and evaluating inherited collections, the difference between one grade level and the next can represent a doubling or tripling of value, especially in the MS65–MS67 range. A 1956 Type B in MS65 might be worth $100, while the same coin in MS66 could be worth $300 or more. Professional appraisers and grading services use standardized criteria and magnification equipment that most heirs simply do not have access to. The original luster, surface quality, and overall patina of a coin all factor into its final grade — and missing any of these details can mean leaving real money on the table.

Which Grading Services Attribute Type B Reverses?

If you’re submitting coins for attribution, it’s important to know which services currently recognize the Type B reverse designation:

• PCGS: Attributes Type B reverses, though attribution was inconsistent in earlier years. Many Type B quarters in older PCGS holders are unattributed.
• NGC: Similar to PCGS — attribution is available but was not always applied in the past.
• ANACS: Has a long history of attributing die varieties, including Type B reverses.
• CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation): While CAC primarily applies its green sticker for quality within a grade, it works with already-attributed coins. At least one forum collector reported a 1957 Type B in an MS66 CAC-endorsed holder.
• ICG: According to forum participants, ICG may attribute Type B reverses without a specific customer request, which is unusual among the major services.

When choosing a grading service for your inherited Type B quarters, consider the service’s reputation in the variety market, turnaround times, and fees. A professional appraiser can advise you on which service is most appropriate for your specific coins.

How to Avoid Scams When Selling Inherited Coins

Unfortunately, the world of estate coin sales attracts its share of bad actors. As an estate liquidator, I’ve seen heirs lose thousands of dollars to scams, lowball offers, and outright fraud. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

The Pawn Shop Lowball

The scenario I described at the beginning of this article — taking an inherited collection to a local pawn shop — is one of the most common mistakes heirs make. Pawn shops are in the business of buying low and selling high. They typically offer 30–50% of fair market value for numismatic coins, and they almost never account for die varieties. A pawn shop employee is highly unlikely to recognize a Type B reverse quarter, let alone attribute it correctly. If you walk into a pawn shop with a collection containing Type B quarters, you’ll almost certainly be offered silver melt value — currently around $3–$5 per silver quarter — when the actual numismatic value could be many times higher.

The “We Buy Gold and Silver” Scam

Another common scam targets heirs through newspaper ads, social media, and direct mail. These operations send “buyers” to your home, where they weigh your coins and offer a price based on precious metal content alone. They do not evaluate numismatic value, and they certainly don’t look for die varieties. I’ve seen heirs accept offers of $500 for collections that were later appraised at $5,000 or more.

Online Auction Scams

Some online platforms and auction houses charge excessive fees, provide inadequate marketing, or fail to attract qualified bidders. Before consigning your inherited coins to any auction house, research their track record, read reviews from other consignors, and ask detailed questions about their fee structure, marketing efforts, and buyer base.

Red Flags to Watch For

Here are warning signs that you may be dealing with a scammer or an unscrupulous buyer:

• Pressure to sell immediately: Any buyer who pressures you to make a decision on the spot is not acting in your interest.
• Offers based solely on weight or melt value: This indicates the buyer is not evaluating numismatic value.
• Unwillingness to provide references or credentials: Reputable dealers and auction houses are happy to provide references.
• Requests for upfront fees: Legitimate auction houses and dealers earn their money through commissions on sales, not upfront fees from sellers.
• Offers that seem too good to be true: They usually are. If a buyer offers you significantly more than other appraisals have suggested, proceed with extreme caution.

Finding the Right Auction House or Dealer for Type B Reverse Quarters

Once you’ve identified and appraised your inherited Type B reverse quarters, the next step is finding the right venue to sell them. Not all auction houses and dealers are equally well-suited for die variety coins. Here’s what to look for:

Specialization in Numismatic Coins

Look for auction houses that specialize in numismatic coins, particularly those with experience in die varieties. General estate auction houses may not have the expertise or the buyer base to maximize the value of Type B reverse quarters. The major numismatic auction houses — including Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, and Legend Rare Coin Auctions — regularly feature die variety lots and attract knowledgeable collectors who understand the value of properly attributed Type B reverses.

Online Auction Platforms

For lower-value Type B quarters (common dates in lower grades), online platforms like eBay can be effective, especially if the coins are properly attributed and photographed. Several forum collectors reported purchasing Type B quarters on eBay, both attributed and unattributed. However, eBay sales require more effort on the part of the seller — you need to write detailed descriptions, take high-quality photographs, and manage the listing process. For higher-value coins, a professional auction house is almost always the better choice.

Local Coin Dealers

A reputable local coin dealer can be a good option for selling Type B reverse quarters, particularly if the dealer has experience with die varieties. However, dealer offers will typically be 10–30% below retail value, since the dealer needs to make a profit when reselling the coins. If you choose to sell to a dealer, get multiple offers and do not accept the first one you receive.

Questions to Ask Before Consigning

Before consigning your inherited coins to any auction house or dealer, ask the following questions:

1. What is your experience with die variety coins, specifically Washington quarter varieties?
2. What is your fee structure? (Look for seller’s commissions in the range of 0–20%, depending on the value of the consignment.)
3. How do you market die variety coins to potential buyers?
4. Can you provide references from other consignors who have sold similar material?
5. What is your policy on attribution? Will you submit coins to grading services on my behalf?
6. What is the expected timeline from consignment to payment?

Actionable Steps for Heirs: A Checklist

If you’ve inherited a coin collection and suspect it may contain Type B reverse quarters or other valuable varieties, here’s a step-by-step checklist to follow:

1. Do not clean any coins. Cleaning can dramatically reduce the numismatic value of a coin by stripping away original luster and altering the natural patina that collectors prize. Leave them exactly as you found them.
2. Do not sell to a pawn shop or precious metals buyer. These outlets will not recognize or pay for numismatic value.
3. Sort through the collection carefully. Separate silver quarters (1932–1964) from clad quarters (1965 and later). Look for mint sets, rolls, and albums that may contain Type B reverses.
4. Examine the reverse of each silver quarter. Use a magnifying glass or loupe to check for the Type B reverse characteristics described above. Pay special attention to 1956, 1957, 1962, and 1964-D quarters.
5. Check for already-graded coins. If the collection contains coins in PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC, or ICG holders, note whether any are attributed as Type B reverses. Also check for unattributed coins that might be Type Bs.
6. Hire a professional appraiser. Look for an appraiser who is a member of a recognized numismatic organization, such as the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). A qualified appraiser will identify varieties, assess condition, and provide a written valuation for tax purposes.
7. Obtain a written appraisal report. This report will serve as documentation for inheritance tax purposes and will help you make informed decisions about selling.
8. Choose the right sales venue. Based on the appraisal, decide whether to sell through a major auction house, an online platform, or a local dealer. For high-value coins, a specialized numismatic auction house is usually the best option.
9. Keep detailed records of all sales. You will need these records for capital gains tax reporting.

The Collector Market for Type B Reverse Quarters

Understanding the collector market for Type B reverse quarters can help you set realistic expectations for the value of your inherited collection. Based on my experience in the estate liquidation market and the consensus among active collectors, here’s what you need to know:

Demand Is Steady but Niche

Type B reverse quarters occupy a specific niche within the broader Washington quarter collecting community. They’re not as widely collected as, say, silver dollars or gold coins, but they have a dedicated following among variety collectors. The forum discussions reveal a community of collectors who have been actively pursuing Type B quarters for years — some since as early as 2007 — and who continue to search for key dates like the 1956 and 1962.

One forum participant noted that in an informal poll of about 24 people, none collected Type B reverse quarters. This illustrates the niche nature of the market. However, the collectors who do pursue Type B quarters tend to be knowledgeable, passionate, and willing to pay strong prices for high-quality examples. This is exactly the kind of market where a well-attributed, high-grade Type B quarter with outstanding eye appeal can command a significant premium.

Condition Is King

As with most numismatic material, condition is the single most important factor in determining value. Forum collectors have reported Type B quarters in grades ranging from circulated to MS67+, and the price difference between these extremes is enormous. A circulated 1960 Type B might be worth $5–$10, while an MS66 example of the same date could bring $50–$100 or more. For the key 1956 date, the premium for high grades is even more pronounced. Coins in mint condition with full original luster and no distracting marks are the ones that serious collectors compete for.

Attribution Matters

The forum discussions make it clear that attribution by a major grading service significantly enhances the value and marketability of a Type B reverse quarter. Collectors are more confident buying an attributed coin, and attributed coins tend to sell faster and for higher prices than raw (ungraded) examples. If your inherited collection contains raw coins that you believe are Type B reverses, consider having them professionally attributed before selling. The provenance of a recognized grading service’s attribution adds credibility and trust to the transaction.

Conclusion: Do Not Leave Money on the Table

Type B reverse Washington quarters represent one of the most accessible and rewarding areas of die variety collecting, but they’re also one of the most easily overlooked. If you’ve inherited a coin collection — even one that appears to be nothing more than a box of old silver quarters — there’s a real possibility that valuable Type B reverse quarters are hiding within it.

The key takeaways from this guide are straightforward: do not rush to sell, do not accept a pawn shop’s first offer, and do not skip the professional appraisal. The difference between selling your inherited quarters for melt value and selling them as properly identified, professionally graded die varieties can be the difference between a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars.

As an estate liquidator, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that proper assessment and professional handling can make. The heirs who take the time to educate themselves, hire qualified appraisers, and choose the right sales venues are the ones who maximize the value of their inheritance. The heirs who do not are the ones who leave money on the table — sometimes a great deal of money.

If you’re holding an inherited collection of Washington quarters, take the time to look at the reverse of each coin. Learn the pickup points for the Type B reverse. Get a professional appraisal. And when you’re ready to sell, find an auction house or dealer who understands the variety market and can connect you with the collectors who are actively seeking these coins. Your inherited collection may be worth far more than you think.

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