1992 United States Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, an agency of the Department of the Treasury. The Philadelphia or Denver branch likely produced this circulating issue.
Pattern: Washington Quarter, Eagle Reverse (originally introduced in 1932 to commemorate George Washington's 200th birthday).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, an agency of the Department of the Treasury. The Philadelphia or Denver branch likely produced this circulating issue.
Material
Copper-nickel clad copper. It contains 0% actual silver. The core is pure copper, and the outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in). Weight: 5.670 grams. Standard thickness of 1.75 mm.
Description
A standard circulating 25-cent coin of the United States. While it appears metallic, it is not a silver coin. Silver quarters were discontinued for general circulation after 1964; this 1992 specimen is a common base-metal clad issue seen in daily transactions.
Key Features
The 1992 date and the lack of a copper-colored 'sandwich' ring on the edge (only if it were a silver proof, which this is not) are key. This specimen shows typical circulation wear.
Material & Composition
Copper-nickel clad copper. It contains 0% actual silver. The core is pure copper, and the outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte/satin luster from the striking process. It features a left-facing profile of George Washington and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'P' (Philadelphia) or 'D' (Denver) mint mark would be located to the right of Washington's ponytail. Includes inscriptions 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and '1992'.
Construction Details
Machine-made using high-speed industrial coining presses. The process involves punching planchets (blanks) from a clad metal strip and striking them between upper and lower dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (119 reeds) to prevent counterfeiting and clipping. Legal tender for 25 cents in the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency designed for tactile identification and durability in commerce.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced die-striking. The relief is shallow to accommodate high-speed production and stackability.
Authentication Indicators
The copper-colored stripe visible on the edge is the definitive indicator that this is a clad coin and not silver. Weight of 5.67g (vs silver's 6.25g) further confirms this.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Likely minted at the Philadelphia or Denver mint facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Late 20th Century. Specifically, the pre-Statehood Quarter era (the original design period before 1999).
Age Estimate
32 years old (exactly 1992).
Cultural Significance
Utility as a backbone of American small-scale commerce; ubiquitous in vending machines and parking meters during the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches, minor dings on the rim, and significant loss of original mint luster due to extensive circulation and contact with other coins.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 USD. In its current circulated condition, it has no additional numismatic or melt value.
Care & Maintenance
No specific care required as it is circulation currency. Do not clean or polish coins if you believe they have numismatic value; for this item, simple dry storage is sufficient.
Similar Pieces
1964 Washington Quarter (90% silver), 1992-S Silver Proof Quarter (90% silver, 'S' mint mark), and high-grade uncirculated 1992 clad quarters.
Interesting Facts
The 1932 design was by sculptor John Flanagan. In 1992, the U.S. Mint began offering Silver Proof Sets for collectors, but these were never intended for circulation like this coin.