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Washington Quarter (1932-1964): An American Icon

The Washington Quarter, a mainstay of American coinage, first entered circulation in 1932. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, this 25-cent piece honored the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth and has remained a beloved coin ever since. Though initially struck in 90% silver, the coin’s composition changed over the years, reflecting broader shifts in the U.S. Mint’s materials and designs.

Washington Quarter History

The origins of the Washington Quarter trace back to 1924, when Congress formed the United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission to prepare for the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth in 1932. When President Herbert Hoover took office in 1929, he rejuvenated the commission's efforts by becoming an active member. Initially, the commission suggested a commemorative half dollar. However, in 1931, New Jersey Representative Randolph Perkins introduced legislation to mint a Washington quarter instead, leading to the creation of this iconic coin.

The existing Standing Liberty quarter, struck since 1916, faced criticism for its design and minting difficulties. The Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures deemed the design unsuitable, leading to the decision to replace it with a new quarter. This new coin not only celebrated Washington’s bicentennial but also provided a more practical design for minting and circulation.

Washington Quarter Designs and Varieties

learn about the U.S. Mint Washington Quarterexplore the history of the U.S. Mint Washington Quarter series

Over the years, the Washington Quarter has seen several design and composition changes:

  1. Silver Composition (1932-1964): The original Washington Quarter, issued from 1932 to 1964, prominently displayed George Washington’s left-facing portrait on the obverse. The reverse depicted an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows. This version of the quarter was crafted from 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 6.25 grams.
  2. Clad Composition (1965-1998): In 1965, the quarter's composition changed to a base-metal blend of 75% copper and 25% nickel clad on a pure copper core. This change was made due to the rising cost of silver.
  3. Bicentennial Design (1976): In honor of the United States Bicentennial, the reverse design featured a colonial drummer with a torch encircled by 13 stars, symbolizing the original colonies. These quarters were produced  in both 1975 and 1976, with the dual date "1776-1976."
  4. 50 States Quarters (1999-2009): This series featured unique reverse designs for each of the 50 states, celebrating the history and heritage of each state.
  5. America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021): This series depicted national parks and other national historic sites across the United States, continuing the tradition of commemorative designs.
  6. American Women Quarters (2022-2025): This series celebrates the achievements of influential American women across a variety of fields, from civil rights to science and the arts. The obverse features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, honoring the nation's first president while shifting the focus to iconic women who shaped American history.

What is the Value of a Washington Quarter?

Washington Quarters are highly accessible for collectors, often available at reasonable prices due to their relatively recent minting and high production volumes. However, their value varies significantly based on the year of mintage, condition, and mint mark. Common dates typically range from $5 to $10, but rarer varieties can command prices from $1,000 to $14,000, particularly those in pristine condition or with unique attributes such as mint errors.

Noteworthy key dates include:

  • 1932 D Washington Quarter: valued between $140 and $13,900, depending on condition
  • 1932 S Washington Quarter: valued between $170 and $5,550, depending on condition
  • 1942 D Washington Quarter: Doubled Die Obverse: valued between $120 and $7,370, depending on condition

Why Should I Collect Washington Quarters?

Washington Quarters are an excellent addition to any coin collection due to their historical appeal and ease of acquisition. Common dates are affordable and accessible, typically valued between $5 and $50 in "Good" condition, with higher grades reaching $100-$900 or more. These coins not only offer a tangible connection to American history but also present opportunities for investment, especially with rarer key date varieties.

For anyone considering collecting Washington Quarters, consulting a numismatic professional is advisable to accurately determine a coin's value and authenticity. Both the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are highly reputable organizations for grading and authenticating coins, ensuring collectors have a reliable assessment of their coin's condition and value.

The Enduring Legacy of the Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter, with its enduring design and historical significance, remains a cornerstone of American numismatics. From its inception in 1932 to its various design iterations, this coin continues to captivate collectors and historians alike. At Bullion Hunters, we offer expert advice and an outstanding selection of collectible coins. Visit our website or contact us to explore our inventory and enhance your collection with these timeless pieces.