1996-P Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint - Philadelphia branch. The Philadelphia Mint is the primary facility of the US Mint system, founded in 1792.
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Eagle Reverse type, 1932-1998)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint - Philadelphia branch. The Philadelphia Mint is the primary facility of the US Mint system, founded in 1792.
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel). Note: This is not a silver coin. Silver quarters were discontinued after 1964, except for special proof sets.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 5.67 grams; Reeded edge.
Description
A standard 1996 Washington Quarter featuring the iconic profile of the first US President. This specimen shows significant signs of circulation including surface abrasions and flattening of the high relief areas in the hair and facial features.
Key Features
'P' Mint mark, 1996 date, copper-nickel clad composition (visible as a brown 'sandwich' layer on the edge), Flanagan design.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel). Note: This is not a silver coin. Silver quarters were discontinued after 1964, except for special proof sets.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a satin-to-matte luster; features a left-facing profile of George Washington based on a 1785 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Engraved by John Flanagan.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'P' mint mark (located behind Washington's queue), indicating the Philadelphia Mint; 'LIBERTY' above; 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at left; '1996' at bottom.
Construction Details
Planchet-struck using high-pressure industrial dies at the Philadelphia Mint; composition consist of a pure copper core bonded to outer layers of copper-nickel.
Functional Features
Standard circulating legal tender; reeded edge serves to prevent debasement/clipping and assist the visually impaired.
Handle & Grip Details
None (not applicable for coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced by industrial coin presses; design exhibits the standard machine-struck precision of the late 20th-century U.S. Mint.
Authentication Indicators
Official 'P' mint mark, standard 1996 typography, correct edge reeding, and copper-nickel cladding visible on the side profile.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. High-volume industrial minting process.
Era & Period
Modern Era American Coinage (Post-1964 Clad Period).
Age Estimate
Produced in the year 1996.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard unit of change in Late 20th Century America, used extensively in vending machines, laundromats, and daily commerce.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Fine to Very Fine. Heavy surface scratching ('bag marks'), localized tarnish/toning, and significant wear on Washington's hair and cheekbone. Several rim nicks present.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 USD. For collectors, it is worth purely the face value unless in 'Mint State' (uncirculated) condition.
Care & Maintenance
As a common circulation coin, no special care is required. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic appeal; store in a dry environment to prevent nickel oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1996-D (Denver) Quarters, 1996-S Proof Quarters (San Francisco), and 1996-S Silver Proof Quarters (identifiable by the absence of the copper edge).
Interesting Facts
1996 was the penultimate year of the original Eagle reverse before the 50 State Quarters program launched in 1999; 925,000,000 of these were minted in Philadelphia alone.