1961 Washington Quarter Dollar, 90% Silver
Coin / Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Pattern: Washington Quarter Design by John Flanagan (1932-present)
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (900 Fine Silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (contains 0.1808 troy oz pure silver).
Description
A classic example of American silver coinage, this 1961 Washington Quarter represents the final years of standard circulating silver in the United States. Featuring the iconic bust of the first President, it serves as both a historical artifact and a store of precious metal value.
Key Features
1961 date; lack of mint mark; silver metallic luster distinct from post-1964 copper-nickel clad versions.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (900 Fine Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Original luster with natural circulation wear; features George Washington's profile facing left with 'LIBERTY' and '1961' inscriptions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (Philadelphia); 'IN GOD WE TRUST' motto; 'JF' designer initials on neck truncation.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a planchet using high-pressure coinage presses; reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge intended to prevent fraudulent 'clipping' of silver; legal tender currency.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge for tactile grip and security; typical for US silver coinage.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean die strike with typical mass-production characteristics of the early 1960s Philadelphia Mint.
Authentication Indicators
Correct weight for silver compositions (6.25g vs 5.67g for clad); high-pitched silver 'ring' sound; lack of copper core line on the edge.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint, PA.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1945-present); Cold War historical context.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1961; 60+ years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American economic stability and the post-WWII silver standard era.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (approx. Fine to Very Fine); visible wear on Washington's hair and cheek; light surface scratches and dulling of the edge reeding.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $8.00 USD (primarily based on silver melt value and numismatic grade).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives; store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent 'environmental damage' or toning.
Similar Pieces
1964 Washington Quarter (same composition), 1965 Washington Quarter (Copper-Nickel Clad - no silver), Standing Liberty Quarter (pre-1932).
Interesting Facts
1961 was the second year of John F. Kennedy's presidency; silver was phased out of most US quarters just three years later in 1964.