United States Washington Quarter Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mints
Pattern: Washington Quarter Design by John Flanagan, introduced in 1932, ongoing production
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mints
Material
Pre-1965 issues are 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper (.900 fine silver coin silver); 1965 and later issues are a clad composition of copper-nickel bonded to a pure copper core containing no silver
Dimensions
Diameter of 24.26 mm (0.955 inches), thickness of 1.75 mm, standard weight of 6.25 grams for the 90 percent silver version
Description
An iconic example of United States circulating currency featuring the familiar profile of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse, serving as both a staple of American commerce and a popular collectible coin
Key Features
Profile of George Washington, heraldic eagle reverse, optional mint mark on the reverse, and reeded edge
Material & Composition
Pre-1965 issues are 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper (.900 fine silver coin silver); 1965 and later issues are a clad composition of copper-nickel bonded to a pure copper core containing no silver
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike or proof finish, reeded edge, depicting George Washington on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia) located on the reverse below the wreath, along with designer's initials JF
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coin presses using hardened steel dies and metal planchets
Functional Features
Standard circulating monetary currency designed for daily commerce and numismatic collection
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; standard round coin shape with a reeded rim
Craftsmanship Details
Precision mass-manufactured coinage featuring crisp relief details and standardized dimensions produced to strict federal minting tolerances
Authentication Indicators
Standard weight, correct dimensions, typical reeding, and appropriate mint mark placement consistent with genuine U.S. Mint production
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, minted at official U.S. Mint facilities
Era & Period
Modern U.S. Numismatic Period (1932 to Present)
Age Estimate
Issued between 1932 and 1964 if silver, or 1965 to present if copper-nickel clad
Cultural Significance
Represents a cornerstone of American monetary history and everyday economy, frequently collected by numismatists starting out in the hobby
Condition Notes
Moderate circulated wear with surface scuffs, scratches, and slight flattening of high points consistent with handling in everyday commerce; overall good to very fine condition depending on specific year and wear level
Value Estimate
Pre-1965 silver quarters generally trade based on their silver melt value plus a small numismatic premium (approximately 5 to 10 USD depending on silver spot prices), while uncirculated or key date varieties command higher collector values
Care & Maintenance
Store in inert coin flips, holders, or albums; never clean or polish numismatic coins as abrasive cleaning drastically reduces collector value
Similar Pieces
Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930), modern commemorative quarters, and state quarters series
Interesting Facts
The Washington quarter was originally minted beginning in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth and was intended to be a temporary commemorative before becoming a permanent circulating coin