United States Washington Quarter Dollar (Clad Composition)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver based on the P or D mint mark)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Standard Circulation Design), introduced in 1932
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver based on the P or D mint mark)
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a core of pure copper). Contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard Weight: 5.670 grams.
Description
A standard circulating twenty-five cent piece of the United States. This coin features the iconic John Flanagan profile of George Washington. Unlike the 90% silver quarters minted prior to 1965, this piece is a base metal clad composition designed for durability in commerce.
Key Features
Washington obverse; cupro-nickel cladding; reeded edge; 'P' or 'D' mint mark.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a core of pure copper). Contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin luster from circulation. Features the left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse (though reverse is not visible).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Labeled 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'QUARTER DOLLAR', 'LIBERTY', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Mint mark 'P' (Philadelphia) or 'D' (Denver) located to the right of the bust.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coinage presses; reeded edge design.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent debasement; legal tender for twenty-five cents in the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
Modern industrial die-striking; crisp lettering but showing signs of die wear common in high-volume production.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typography, reeded edge showing copper 'sandwich' layer, and standard US Mint strike characteristics.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Post-1964 Clad Coinage Period
Age Estimate
Modern (likely post-1965 based on the lack of silver luster and appearance of copper edge).
Cultural Significance
The primary medium-denomination coin used in American vending, parking meters, and daily transactions for decades.
Condition Notes
Circulated/VF (Very Fine) to EF (Extremely Fine). Shows surface scratches, minor tarnish/toning near the top, and typical wear on high points of the hair.
Value Estimate
Face value (25 cents). Unless a rare error or high-grade key date, modern clad quarters carry no silver melt value.
Care & Maintenance
For circulating coins, no special care is needed. Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals, as this destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1932-1964 Silver Quarters (90% silver, no copper edge visible); statehood quarters; silver proof quarters.
Interesting Facts
The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be a one-year commemorative for the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth but became the permanent design due to its popularity.
Notes