1959 Washington Quarter Dollar, 90% Silver
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (The Philadelphia Mint)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (John Flanagan design), 1932-1964 Silver Series
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (The Philadelphia Mint)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as 'junk silver' or 'coin silver' in numismatics)
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (contains approximately 0.1808 troy oz of pure silver).
Description
A classic specimen of American silver coinage featuring the iconic portrait of George Washington designed by John Flanagan to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth. This piece represents the final decade of circulating silver quarter dollars in the U.S. before the transition to copper-nickel clad in 1965.
Key Features
90% silver content; '1959' date; lack of mint mark; reeded edge; John Flanagan's initials 'JF' at the base of Washington's neck.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as 'junk silver' or 'coin silver' in numismatics)
Finish & Decoration
High-relief bust of George Washington (obverse) with eagle clutching a bundle of arrows (reverse), struck with a business-strike matte-to-circulated finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date '1959' on obverse; 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions; lack of mint mark indicates Philadelphia Mint.
Construction Details
Machine-made, die-struck on a planchet at the United States Mint using heavy industrial steam or electric presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge design to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the precious metal.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking; crisp lettering and reeding despite being a mass-produced utilitarian object.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for 1959 date; proper rim width; distinct 'Liberty' lettering; silver 'ring' sound test and weight should match 6.25g standard.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Primary national mint).
Era & Period
Modern American Numismatic Era (Post-Depression silver coinage); Cold War period.
Age Estimate
Dated 1959; 65 years old at current time.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the economic stability of mid-century America when precious metals backed common circulating currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition showing moderate surface wear, kehilangan (loss) of high-point detail on the hair and eagle feathers, and light toning/tarnish; grade estimated at Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF).
Value Estimate
Primarily valued for its 'melt value' (approx. $4–$6 USD based on silver spot prices) or slightly more in high uncirculated grades.
Care & Maintenance
Collectors advise *never* polishing rare coins as it destroys numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent 'environmental damage' or tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1959-D Quarter (Denver Mint, marked with 'D'); 1959 Proof Quarters (specifically for collectors, high mirror finish); 1964 Quarters (the final silver year).
Interesting Facts
The 1959 quarter had a mintage of over 24 million at Philadelphia, making it a common but highly sought-after silver stacking coin today.