1942 United States Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Silver Era), 1932-1964
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (0.1808 troy oz actual silver content); Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Description
A classic example of American silver coinage, this 1942 Washington Quarter represent the 'junk silver' era when currency held intrinsic precious metal value. It features a moderately circulated, patinated surface with visible 'toning' - a natural oxidation process that occurs on silver coins over decades.
Key Features
Diagnostic 1942 date, 90% silver ring when dropped, reeded edge without copper-colored core (indicative of pre-1965 composition).
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck numismatic relief; obverse features the profile of George Washington based on the bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon; reverse features an eagle with wings spread perching on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1942'. Reverses include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'. Absence of mint mark on reverse indicates Philadelphia Mint.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck on a planchet of silver alloy; reeded edge design for anti-counterfeiting and anti-clipping measures.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for tactile identification and security; legal tender denomination for commerce.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular planchet designed for pocket carry and hand exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-pressure die strike; precise lettering and consistent depth indicative of US Mint standards during the early 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Weight consistency, clear serif font in date, absence of 'sandwich' layering (clad) on the edge. High-relief features typical of original Mint dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint workshop using steam or electric-driven coinage presses.
Era & Period
WWII Era / Mid-Century Numismatic (Modernism)
Age Estimate
Issued 1942 (82 years old).
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes American economic stability and the historic standard of intrinsic-value currency prior to the Coinage Act of 1965.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (G-VG) condition. Significant surface wear, loss of detail in Washington's hair, heavy toning/tarnish, and environmental darkening. No major rim dings, but notable circulation flattening.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $8.00 USD (primarily based on silver melt value plus a small numismatic premium for the date and condition).
Care & Maintenance
For numismatic items, DO NOT POLISH. Cleaning silver coins with abrasives or chemicals destroys their collector premium. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1942-S (San Francisco) and 1942-D (Denver) quarters; 1965-present Copper-Nickel Clad Quarters; Barber Quarters (pre-1932).
Interesting Facts
The 1942 quarter was minted during the height of US involvement in WWII; silver was used for coinage while copper and nickel were diverted for war materials (though the nickel was the coin that changed composition most famously).