1962 Type B Reverse Quarter...?

Thanks, Coop - is there a way to tell if this is a business strike (thus unintended reverse die) or a proof which was freed from its encasement? I am asking because I purchased 5 coins just like this and really am hoping they are in fact business strikes. Also, would you mind grading & valuing for me? That would be awesome.

matthewpj73,
A proof will have a mirrored surface with sharply squared rims. Proofs of that era tended to be brilliant instead of cameo. Your coin has cartwheel luster and a more irregular rim so it is a business strike.

bpoc1,
Washington quarters of 1956-1964 typically had the business strike A Reverse, denoted by the the joining of ST in STATES, weak tail feathers, arrow tips above the leaf, and other PUPs. The B Reverse was intended to be a proof-only reverse but it can be found on some business strikes with some of the years being uncommon while others are fairly rare. 1964 also had a C Reverse, meant for 1965 clad issues. Best PUP for that one is a defined groove through the tail feathers.

It is worth noting that there are alot of varieties that get no mention in the RedBook. If you want to read more about the Washington quarter series and the numerous obverse and reverse design changes along with the major die varieties, I would recommend checking out A Guide Book of Washington and State Quarters.

Definitely type B reverse on the OP's coin. In my experience it can be difficult to decide whether a particular quarter is a business strike Type B or a proof with poor reflectivity. I've found many coins in dealers' boxes labeled as MS that actually were proofs and others called MS that were too close to call IMO.

Value-wise, I auctioned one 1962 quarter that I was sure was a business strike Type B in AU grade and it went for the same price as a normal 1962. My point is that the "book value" for Type B is theoretical and only applies if you can find a buyer!