United States Washington Quarter Dollar (Copper-Nickel Clad)
Coin / Bullion · United States Mint (Department of the Treasury). The U.S. Mint is a world-renowned government institution established in 1792, known for producing high-quality legal tender for trade and commerce.
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Originally by John Flanagan), specifically the 50 State Quarters or America the Beautiful series obverse modified for statehood or commemorative release.
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Department of the Treasury). The U.S. Mint is a world-renowned government institution established in 1792, known for producing high-quality legal tender for trade and commerce.
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer bonded to a pure copper core). Contains 0.0% silver unless it is a specific 90% silver proof, which this circulated example does not appear to be.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard weight: 5.670 grams.
Description
A standard circulating United States quarter dollar. The obverse depicts the profile of George Washington, our first president, based on the 1785 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. This specific design variation was introduced in 1999 to allow for commemorative designs on the reverse side of the coin.
Key Features
Modified obverse lettering; reeded edge; visible copper core on the side edge (sandwich effect); machine-perfect symmetry.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer bonded to a pure copper core). Contains 0.0% silver unless it is a specific 90% silver proof, which this circulated example does not appear to be.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-struck business strike with a satin-to-lustrous finish; features a left-facing bust of George Washington, the words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'LIBERTY', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR' in relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (typically P, D, or S) located behind Washington's ponytail (not clearly visible due to glare). Mottos: 'LIBERTY' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Purity marks and assay marks are absent as this is base metal currency.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via high-pressure hydraulic coinage presses; struck from dies into a multi-layered clad planchet (blank).
Functional Features
Reeded edge (119 reeds) to prevent debasement/clipping; legal tender status for all debts public and private.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; Small circular disc designed for manual handling in commerce.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered industrial mass-production. High-quality die engraving ensures every coin is identical within strict government tolerances.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for U.S. Mint; appropriate relief depth; characteristic 'clad' sandwich edge. Absence of 'S' mint mark and high mirror polish suggests this is not a silver proof version.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Manufactured at the Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1965–Present). Specifically the Post-1964 era when silver was removed from circulating U.S. quarters due to the Coinage Act of 1965.
Age Estimate
Post-1998, based on the modified obverse text placement (Country and Denomination moved to obverse) used for the 50 State Quarters Program.
Cultural Significance
One of the most widely used coins in the world; a symbol of American economic stability and a primary vehicle for educational commemorative programs like the State Quarters series.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing surface scratches (bag marks), slight tarnish/oxidation on the high points, and significant glare/reflection indicating moderate wear. Grade: Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) in numismatic terms.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 USD. For a common circulated clad quarter, the market value is exactly its face value.
Care & Maintenance
For circulating clad coins, no special care is needed. For collectors: Do not clean or polish as it ruins numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or plastic tubes.
Similar Pieces
1932-1964 Silver Quarters (90% silver, identifiable by absence of copper edge and 'ringing' sound); Eisenhower Dollars; various commemorative medals.
Interesting Facts
The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. It transitioned from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad in 1965.