The Washington Quarter Dollar, minted between 1932 and 1964, is one of the most iconic coins of United StatesWith a distinctive design honoring the nation's first president, George Washington, this series has earned a special place in the hearts of collectors. These coins, minted in silver until 1964, not only circulated widely but also became highly prized for their history, beauty, and metal content.
History of the Washington Quarter Dollar
Origin and historical context: The Washington Quarter Dollar was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. The Congressional Bicentennial Act of 1931 authorized the issuance of this coin, which quickly replaced the Liberty Standing Quarters. The design was created by John Flanagan, who won a competition sponsored by the Commission of Fine Arts.
Minting periods: 1932-1964: The Washington Quarter Dollar Silver Series spans the period from 1932 to 1964, when the coins' composition changed from silver to a copper-nickel alloy due to rising demand for precious metals and inflation. During this period, the coins were minted at the mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Reasons for the change in composition in 1965: The change in composition from silver to a copper-nickel alloy in 1965 was due to a silver shortage and rising prices on international markets. Demand for the metal outstripped available supply, leading the U.S. Mint to opt for a less expensive alloy for mass-produced coins.
Economic and cultural impact of coins: The Washington Quarter Dollar was not only a common circulation coin, but also a symbol of patriotism and national pride. Its classic design and connection to the history of George Washington have secured its place as one of the most beloved coins among collectors and numismatic enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Weight in grams: 6.25 grams
Characteristics of the song: Fluted
Design and representation of the currency
Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of George Washington, based on a 1785 bust by Houdon. The word “LIBERTY” appears above his head, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left. The year of issue is located at the bottom.
Back: The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows and below it, an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the eagle, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” is located at the bottom. The mintmark (D, S, or absent) is located below the olive branch.
Symbolism of each design elementThe eagle represents the strength and protection of the nation. The olive branches represent peace and stability, while the arrows represent preparation for national defense.
Composition of the Currency
During the entire period from 1932 to 1964, Washington Quarter Dollars were made of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for silver coins of that time.
Manufacturing Mints and Mint Marks
The Washington Quarter Dollar was minted at several U.S. mints, identifiable by their respective mint marks:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): Mass production.
- Denver (D): Coins with the lowest mintage in some years.
- San Francisco (S): Limited production compared to Philadelphia.
Below is a table with relevant coinage information, including the year, mint mark, and number of coins minted:
| Year/Mint | coinage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | 5 404 000 | |
| 1932 D | 436 800 | |
| 1932 | 408 000 | |
| 1934 | 31 912 052 | Medium stroke motto |
| 1934 | Thin line motto | |
| 1934 | Double-die obverse | |
| 1934 | Thick-stroke motto | |
| 1934 D | 3 527 200 | Medium stroke motto |
| 1934 D | Thick-stroke motto | |
| 1935 | 32 484 000 | |
| 1935 D | 5 780 000 | |
| 1935 | 5 660 000 | |
| 1936 | 41 303 837 | |
| 1936 | 3 837 | Proof |
| 1936 D | 5 374 000 | |
| 1936 | 3 828 000 | |
| 1937 | 19 701 542 | |
| 1937 | 5 542 | Proof |
| 1937 D | 7 189 600 | |
| 1937 | 1 652 000 | |
| 1938 | 9 480 045 | |
| 1938 | 8 045 | Proof |
| 1938 | 2 832 000 | |
| 1939 | 33 548 795 | |
| 1939 | 8 795 | Proof |
| 1939 D | 7 092 000 | |
| 1939 | 2 628 000 | |
| 1940 | 35 715 246 | |
| 1940 | 11 246 | Proof |
| 1940 D | 2 797 600 | |
| 1940 | 8 244 000 | |
| 1941 | 79 047 287 | |
| 1941 | 15 287 | Proof |
| 1941 D | 16 714 800 | |
| 1941 | 16 080 000 | |
| 1942 | 102 117 123 | |
| 1942 | 21 123 | Proof |
| 1942 D | 17 487 200 | |
| 1942 D | Double-die obverse | |
| 1942 | 19 384 000 | |
| 1943 | 99 700 000 | |
| 1943 D | 16 095 600 | |
| 1943 | 21 700 000 | |
| 1943 | Double-die obverse | |
| 1944 | 104 956 000 | |
| 1944 D | 14 600 800 | |
| 1944 | 12 560 000 | |
| 1945 | 74 372 000 | |
| 1945 D | 12 341 600 | |
| 1945 | 17 004 001 | |
| 1946 | 53 436 000 | |
| 1946 D | 9 072 800 | |
| 1946 | 4 204 000 | |
| 1947 | 22 556 000 | |
| 1947 D | 15 338 400 | |
| 1947 | 5 532 000 | |
| 1948 | 35 196 000 | |
| 1948 D | 16 766 800 | |
| 1948 | 15 960 000 | |
| 1949 | 9 312 000 | |
| 1949 D | 10 068 400 | |
| 1950 | 24 971 512 | |
| 1950 | 51 386 | Proof |
| 1950 D | 21 075 600 | |
| 1950 D | Punched mint mark (D over S) | |
| 1950 | 10 284 004 | |
| 1950 | Punched mint mark (S over D) | |
| 1951 | 43 505 602 | |
| 1951 | 57 500 | Proof |
| 1951 D | 35 354 800 | |
| 1951 | 9 048 000 | |
| 1952 | 38 862 073 | |
| 1952 | 81 980 | Proof |
| 1952 D | 49 795 200 | |
| 1952 | 13 707 800 | |
| 1953 | 18 664 920 | |
| 1953 | 128 800 | Proof |
| 1953 D | 56 112 400 | |
| 1953 D | Punched mint mark (D over S) | |
| 1953 | 14 016 000 | |
| 1954 | 54 645 503 | |
| 1954 | 233 300 | Proof |
| 1954 D | 42 305 500 | |
| 1954 | 11 834 722 | |
| 1955 | 18 558 381 | |
| 1955 | 378 200 | Proof |
| 1955 D | 3 182 400 | |
| 1956 | 44 813 384 | Reverse type A |
| 1956 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1956 | 669 384 | Proof |
| 1956 D | 32 334 500 | |
| 1957 | 47 779 952 | Reverse type A |
| 1957 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1957 | 1 247 952 | Proof |
| 1957 D | 77 924 160 | |
| 1958 | 7 235 652 | Reverse type A |
| 1958 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1958 | 875 652 | Proof |
| 1958 D | 78 124 900 | |
| 1959 | 25 533 291 | Reverse type A |
| 1959 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1959 | 1 149 291 | Proof |
| 1959 D | 62 054 232 | |
| 1960 | 30 855 602 | Reverse type A |
| 1960 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1960 | 1 691 602 | Proof |
| 1960 D | 63 000 324 | |
| 1961 | 40 064 244 | Reverse type A |
| 1961 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1961 | 3 028 244 | Proof |
| 1961 D | 83 656 928 | |
| 1962 | 39 374 019 | Reverse type A |
| 1962 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1962 | 3 218 019 | Proof |
| 1962 D | 127 554 756 | |
| 1963 | 77 391 645 | Reverse type A |
| 1963 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1963 | 3 075 645 | Proof |
| 1963 D | 135 288 184 | |
| 1964 | 564 341 347 | Reverse type A |
| 1964 | Reverse type B (proof design) | |
| 1964 | 3 950 762 | Proof |
| 1964 D | 704 135 528 | Reverse type A |
| 1964 D | Reverse type C (alloy design) |
Information partially obtained from numist
How to identify mint marks
The mint marks are located below the olive branch on the reverse of the coin. A “D” indicates Denver, an “S” indicates San Francisco, while the unmarked coins were minted in Philadelphia.
Current Numismatic Value
Factors affecting the value of Washington Quarters:
- State of conservation: Coins in MS-65 or better condition have a significantly higher value.
- Year and mint: Coins such as the 1932-D and 1932-S are extremely valuable due to their low mintage.
- Rarity and demand: Coins from key years or with minting errors are highly sought after.
Examples of auction prices
- 1932 D Washington Quarter Dollar, MS65+: It reached $41,125.00 US dollars.
- Washington Quarter Dollar 1964 D, MS68: It reached $38,400.00 US dollars.
The Washington Quarter Dollar is a key piece for any numismatic collection. Its classic design, significant history, and silver content make it an attractive investment for both collectors and investors. Issues from key years like 1932-D and 1932-S are highly sought after and can fetch high prices. If you'd like to continue exploring related articles on historical coins, we invite you to visit our website.
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