United States Washington Quarter Dollar (Base Metal Circulation Coin, c. 1997)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver mints), official government coinage producer renowned for mass production and strict metallurgical standards.
Pattern: Washington Quarter Series, introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth, still in production in modified modern variants.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver mints), official government coinage producer renowned for mass production and strict metallurgical standards.
Material
Cupronickel clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Contains zero silver, unlike quarters minted prior to 1965 which were 90% silver.
Dimensions
Standard United States quarter specifications: diameter of 24.26 mm (0.955 inches), thickness of 1.75 mm, and standard weight of 5.67 grams.
Description
An everyday United States 1997 Washington quarter dollar coin resting on an organized daily planner sheet. The obverse depicts the classic profile of George Washington facing left, accompanied by the traditional inscriptions. Despite its metallic silver-colored appearance, this piece is composed of a copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core and possesses no precious silver content.
Key Features
Standard late-20th-century circulating coinage, easily identifiable by the 1997 date stamp and standard cupronickel silver-toned appearance.
Material & Composition
Cupronickel clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Contains zero silver, unlike quarters minted prior to 1965 which were 90% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard business strike finish with a plain reeded edge, featuring John Flanagan's sculpted portrait of George Washington on the obverse and the American eagle on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed with 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', the date '1997', and a small mint mark (P or D) typically located on the obverse near the rim.
Construction Details
High-speed modern mechanical press stamping from bonded multi-layer coin strip stock, featuring edge reeding applied during the striking process.
Functional Features
Designed for general economic currency circulation, vending machine compatibility, and standard monetary transactions.
Handle & Grip Details
None. Circular coin form featuring a reeded edge for tactile identification and anti-counterfeiting.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial minting showcasing precise high-tonnage die striking and consistent machine tolerances.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, weight, reeded edge, and relief details standard for authentic U.S. Mint production from 1997.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, produced at official U.S. Mint facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Denver, Colorado.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1965-Present), characterized by clad base-metal coinage replacing traditional precious metal currency.
Age Estimate
Dated 1997 explicitly on the obverse face, placing it precisely in the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the ubiquitous medium of exchange in late 20th-century American commerce and daily life.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible minor surface abrasions, micro-scratches, and slight dullness from handling, typical of standard pocket change. Overall condition is Fine to Very Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 USD) in circulated condition, as millions of these clad quarters were produced.
Care & Maintenance
Requires no special maintenance as a standard base-metal circulating coin; store in a dry environment if kept as a casual keepsake.
Similar Pieces
Other Washington quarters minted between 1965 and 1998, differing primarily by their respective production years and mint marks.
Interesting Facts
Many non-collectors mistake post-1964 standard quarters for silver due to their silvery color, though the U.S. Mint completely removed silver from circulating quarters in 1965 to save on precious metal costs.