United States Washington Quarter Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mints)
Pattern: Washington Quarter Series, introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth and still in production today
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mints)
Material
Coin Silver (.900 silver, .100 copper) for issues minted 1964 and earlier; copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core for issues 1965 to present
Dimensions
Standard diameter of 24.26 mm (0.955 inches), thickness of 1.75 mm, and weight of 6.25 grams for silver issues (or 5.67 grams for clad issues)
Description
An iconic example of American numismatic history, this United States Washington Quarter features the classic reverse design of the American bald eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows, surrounded by traditional inscriptions including 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.
Key Features
The distinctive heraldic eagle reverse design, the enduring Washington profile obverse, and the historic transition from 90 percent silver composition to copper-nickel clad in 1965
Material & Composition
Coin Silver (.900 silver, .100 copper) for issues minted 1964 and earlier; copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core for issues 1965 to present
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a reeded edge, featuring the heraldic eagle on the reverse and a profile portrait of George Washington on the obverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (S, D, or none for Philadelphia) located on the reverse side near the bottom rim; designer initials 'JF' for John Flanagan on the truncation of Washington's neck
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coin presses using hardened steel dies on pre-cut coin blanks (planchets)
Functional Features
Standard circulating denomination designed for monetary transactions, vending machines, and general currency use
Handle & Grip Details
None applicable; circular coin form with a reeded edge to discourage shaving of precious metals
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced high-precision minting utilizing master hub and die reduction techniques to ensure uniformity across millions of circulating pieces
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, reeded edge details, precise weight relative to its composition year, and accurate placement of the designer initials and mint mark
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, produced at official United States Mint facilities
Era & Period
Modern Period / 20th Century United States Currency (1932-Present)
Age Estimate
Issued between 1932 and 1964 if composed of 90 percent silver, or 1965 to present if copper-nickel clad
Cultural Significance
A fundamental staple of American commerce and daily life for nearly a century, representing the longest-running circulating quarter design in United States history
Condition Notes
Circulated condition showing typical surface wear, minor abrasions, and dullness consistent with everyday monetary exchange; graded as circulated with moderate surface friction
Value Estimate
Pre-1965 silver quarters derive their baseline market value from their intrinsic silver melt weight (melt value), while specific mint years and uncirculated grades command higher numismatic premiums
Care & Maintenance
Store in inert coin flips, holders, or archival albums; avoid harsh cleaning, polishing, or abrasive chemical dips which destroy collector value and coin patina
Similar Pieces
Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930), Barber Quarters (1892-1916), and modern commemorative state or national park quarters
Interesting Facts
The Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter in 1932. Originally intended to be a one-year commemorative coin, its popularity led the Mint to continue production indefinitely.