Washington Quarter Dollar 90% Silver Coin (Reverse)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, established in 1792. The Washington quarter was designed by sculptor John Flanagan through a national competition.
Pattern: Washington Quarter, Eagle Reverse (Standard Design), introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, established in 1792. The Washington quarter was designed by sculptor John Flanagan through a national competition.
Material
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in). Standard weight: 6.25 grams (0.201 troy oz). Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Description
A classic piece of American numismatic history, the Washington Quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter in 1932. The reverse side showcased here displays the iconic heraldic eagle, a symbol of American strength and independence. Until the Coinage Act of 1965, these quarters were a staple of American trade and a reliable store of precious metal value for the general public.
Key Features
Eagle reverse with outspread wings, 90% silver content indicated by the date and edge color (no copper stripe visible on the reeded edge), and Flanagan's initials normally visible on the obverse.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original mint luster or circulated matte finish. Reverse features a bald eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches below. Legend includes 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
US Mint marks were placed on the reverse below the bundle of arrows (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) until 1964; absence of a mark indicates the Philadelphia mint.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-minted using high-pressure coin presses to stamp the design into round metal planchets.
Functional Features
Reeded edge design to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the silver edges, a practice that historically compromised the coin's intrinsic value.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Circulating currency). Features a reeded edge for tactile recognition and to prevent tampering.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with precision engraving. High-quality relief meant to withstand years of abrasive circulation. The Flanagan design is noted for its clean neoclassical lines and powerful heraldic imagery.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (6.25g), crispness of the 'UNITED' and 'QUARTER DOLLAR' lettering, and the absence of a visible copper layer on the edge. Sound test (silver has a distinct high-pitched ring when dropped compared to a dull thud for clad coins).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured at the Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints using heavy industrial striking technology.
Era & Period
Modern Coinage Era (20th Century). This specific 90% silver design was produced from 1932 through 1964.
Age Estimate
Circa 1932-1964. The 90% silver composition was discontinued for general circulation after 1964 in favor of copper-nickel cladding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the stabilization of US currency during the Great Depression and the first major shift toward presidential portraiture on circulating coins (following the Lincoln Cent). It is a primary entry point for 'junk silver' investors.
Condition Notes
The image shows a circulated coin with significant wear on the eagle's breast feathers and wing tips. Grade appears to be 'About Good' (AG) to 'Good' (G) due to flattening of the high points and merging details. No major scratches or cleaning visible in the low-resolution image.
Value Estimate
Highly dependent on the current silver 'spot' price. Typically $4.50 to $6.00 based on silver scrap value (melt value), with rare dates/mint marks (like 1932-D or 1932-S) commanding hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Care & Maintenance
Collectors are advised NOT to polish or clean silver coins, as this removes original surface metal and lowers numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent 'environmental damage' or spotting. Tarnish/toning is often preferred by collectors over a cleaned look.
Similar Pieces
1965-1970 40% Silver Half Dollars (lower silver content), Barber Quarters (older US silver design), Standing Liberty Quarters (pre-1932), and modern Silver Proof quarters (99.9% silver).
Interesting Facts
The design was originally intended for a one-year commemorative half-dollar, but was so popular it was converted into the standard circulating quarter design. It replaced the Standing Liberty quarter which was deemed difficult to strike and controversial due to certain design elements.