1988-D Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Denver Branch)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Originally designed by John Flanagan)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Denver Branch)
Material
Cupro-Nickel Cladded Copper (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer; 100% Copper core); No actual silver content
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Weight: 5.67 grams; Thickness: 1.75 mm
Description
A standard circulation 1988 United States Washington Quarter. While commonly mistaken for silver due to its metallic sheen, it is a cupro-nickel clad piece. It features the classic John Flanagan bust of George Washington on the obverse and is a staple of 20th-century American pocket change.
Key Features
The 'D' mint mark indicating Denver production; 1988 date; copper core visible on the edge
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Cladded Copper (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer; 100% Copper core); No actual silver content
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a satin/lustrous finish; Obverse features George Washington's profile facing left; Reverse features the American Bald Eagle with wings spread (traditional motif for 1988)
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'D' (Denver), Year '1988', 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST'
Construction Details
Planchet strike using a die-stamping process on a multi-layered clad strip
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeit and wear-reduction measures; legal tender currency
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency item
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed machine-stamped; consistent with the mass-production standards of the US Mint during the late 1980s
Authentication Indicators
Distinct copper visible on the edge (the 'sandwich' effect), correct font of the '1988' date, and D mint mark placement
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Denver, Colorado; Minted at the Denver Mint facility
Era & Period
Modern Era (Post-1964 Clad Period)
Age Estimate
Produced in 1988
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American commerce during the late Cold War and Reagan/Bush era transition; part of the longest-running design series for American quarters
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing surface scratches, contact marks, and light oxidation typical of currency used in commerce; Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) to Extremely Fine (XF)
Value Estimate
$0.25 (Face value) to $1.00 for high-grade specimens; no intrinsic silver melt value
Care & Maintenance
Keep in a cool, dry place. Numismatic value for this specific coin is primarily its face value, so professional cleaning is not recommended and can damage the surface.
Similar Pieces
1964 Silver Washington Quarter (90% silver, no copper edge), 1988-S Proof Silver Quarter (collector only)
Interesting Facts
The US Mint transitioned away from 90% silver quarters in 1964; 1988 was a year of high production with over 562 million 'D' quarters minted