Washington Quarter Dollar Coin (Pre-1965 90% Silver)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the Department of the Treasury. The U.S. Mint was established in 1792 and is renowned for high-quality official coinage production under federal law.
Pattern: Washington Quarter, introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The design was created by sculptor John Flanagan.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the Department of the Treasury. The U.S. Mint was established in 1792 and is renowned for high-quality official coinage production under federal law.
Material
90% Silver and 10% Copper. This alloy was the standard for U.S. silver quarters until the Coinage Act of 1965. Total weight is 6.25 grams with an actual silver content (ASW) of 0.1808 troy ounces.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm (0.955 inches); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (total piece weight). Standard quarter size for circulation.
Description
An iconic example of American numismatic history, the Washington Quarter is both a unit of currency and a precious metal asset. Crafted from 90% fine silver, it features the stoic profile of the first U.S. President. These coins are highly sought after by 'junk silver' investors and collectors for their tangible bullion value and historical charm.
Key Features
90% silver composition (detectable by the solid silver/white edge), the John Flanagan designed bust, reeded edges, and the classic eagle reverse used prior to the 1999 State Quarters series.
Material & Composition
90% Silver and 10% Copper. This alloy was the standard for U.S. silver quarters until the Coinage Act of 1965. Total weight is 6.25 grams with an actual silver content (ASW) of 0.1808 troy ounces.
Finish & Decoration
Original mint luster or circulated strike. Features a left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches on the reverse. Text includes 'Liberty', 'In God We Trust', 'United States of America', and 'E Pluribus Unum'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'mint mark' (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia) is located on the reverse side below the eagle's tail feathers for pre-1965 issues. Date of issue is stamped on the obverse base.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a planchet. This is a mass-produced industrial manufacturing process using heavy hydraulic presses and hardened steel dies to imprint the design onto a metal blank.
Functional Features
Reed edge (119 reeds) designed to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the edges of precious metal coins for profit, a security feature dating back to the use of solid silver coinage.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as it is a coin. The reed edges provide tactile grip for ease of use in commerce.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high precision. While not hand-wrought, the dies were hand-engraved/sculpted, resulting in fine detail in the feathers and hair that remains visible even after decades of light circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and weight (6.25g); crisp reeding on the edge; no visible copper core. Genuine silver quarters produce a high-pitched 'ring' when dropped, distinct from the 'thud' of modern copper-nickel clads.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints. Produced using industrialized minting traditions following strict federal standards for fineness and weight.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1932-1964 for silver composition). Design reflects Neoclassical influences common in early 20th-century American civic art and coinage.
Age Estimate
Circa 1932-1964. The visual profile of Washington and the lack of a copper-colored 'cladding' on the edge indicates it is from the silver era prior to the compositional change in 1965.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American economic stability through the mid-20th century. Represents the transition from precious metal currency to fiat 'clad' currency in 1965, a major turning point in modern monetary history.
Condition Notes
The item appears to be in 'Circulated' condition based on the blurred image. There is visible smoothing of the higher relief points of Washington's hair and cheek. Grade estimate: Good (G) to Very Good (VG) based on wear.
Value Estimate
Raw value is tied to 'melt value' (spot price of silver x 0.1808). Usually retails for $4.50–$6.50 based on current silver markets, with higher prices for uncirculated or rare mint marks.
Care & Maintenance
For silver coins, it is generally recommended *never* to clean them with abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent 'milk spots' or environmental tarnish. Handle by the edges only.
Similar Pieces
1965-Present Clad Quarters (copper core, no silver), Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930), and modern Silver Proof Quarters (specially minted for collectors).
Interesting Facts
The Washington design was originally intended to be a one-year commemorative in 1932 but proved so popular it replaced the Standing Liberty quarter permanently. 1932-S and 1932-D are the rarest 'key dates' in this series.