History of the Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter was the United States’ first circulating commemorative coin. It began in 1931 when the Treasury Department decided that it should honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth with a half dollar. Terms of the contest for the new design specified that the portrait of George Washington on the obverse should be based on the statue of George Washington by Jean Antoine Houdon. In March 1931, Congress intervened and decided that the quarter dollar should feature Washington instead of the half dollar. Designer engraver John Flanagan designed the obverse and the reverse for the new quarter dollar. The first quarters rolled off the coining presses in 1932. This coin was supposed to be a one-year circulating commemorative coin. However, due to the depression throughout the United States, the United States Mint did not produce any quarters in 1933. When demand for quarters resumed in 1934, the mint continued to use the Washington design for the quarter dollar that is still used today.
Market Analysis
Washington quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 contain 90% pure silver. As a result, well-circulated coins that are worn are sometimes worth only the silver they contain. However, there are a few dates and mint mark combinations that coin collectors are willing to pay a premium to obtain. Look for these key dates, rarities, and varieties in your pocket change. Some of them can be worth a small fortune.
Key Dates, Rarities, and Varieties
The following Washington quarters, in any condition, are worth considerably more than the common Washington Quarter. Unfortunately, these coins are frequently counterfeit or altered from common Washington quarters. Therefore, before celebrating your new found fortune, have the coin authenticated by a reputable coin dealer or third-party grading service.
1932-D 1932-S 1950-D D over S RPM 1950-S S over D RPM
Condition or Grade Examples
If your coin is worn and looks similar to the one illustrated in the link below, it is considered a circulated coin. If your coin looks similar to the one illustrated in the link below and has no evidence of wear due to being in circulation, it is considered an uncirculated coin. Learning how to grade silver Washington quarters is an important part of determining the value of your coin.
Mint Marks
The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is located on the coin’s reverse, below the wreath, and above the “R” in QUARTER.
Washington Quarters Average Prices and Values
The buying price is what you can expect to pay to a coin dealer to purchase the coin. The sell value is what you can expect a coin dealer to pay you if you sell the coin. The first column lists the date and mint mark followed by the buy price and the sell value for an average circulated Washington Quarter. The following two columns list the buy price and the sell value for an average uncirculated. Of course, the offer you receive from an individual coin dealer will vary depending on the actual grade of the coin and some other factors that determine its worth.
Bullion Value Calculation for 1964 Quarters and Earlier
Since the value of 1964 quarters and earlier can be largely determined by the bullion value of the silver contained in the quarter, you may want to calculate the bullion value yourself. Using the following facts we can calculate the bullion value of a silver quarter:
Composition: 90% silver Actual Weight: 6.25 g The current price of silver
Calculation Steps
