United States Washington Quarter Dollar (Cupro-Nickel Clad)
Coin/Currency · United States Mint, specifically the Denver Mint facility (indicated by the 'D' mint mark).
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Statehood, Territory, or National Parks series reverse - obverse shown).
Type
Coin/Currency
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the Denver Mint facility (indicated by the 'D' mint mark).
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper. Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This is not a silver coin.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard weight: 5.67 grams.
Description
A circulating United States Washington Quarter. The obverse features a modified version of John Flanagan's original 1932 portrait, updated for the Statehood and subsequent quarter programs to accommodate inscriptions moved from the reverse.
Key Features
Copper-nickel clad composition (visible orange/brown stripe on edge), 'D' mint mark for Denver, and modified legend placement typical of 21st-century strikes.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper. Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This is not a silver coin.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with frosted relief and satin fields. Features the left-facing profile of George Washington based on the 1932 design by John Flanagan.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse stamps: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'QUARTER DOLLAR', and mint mark 'D'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coining presses; features a reeded (serrated) edge.
Functional Features
Standardized currency for commerce; reeded edge serves to prevent clipping and aid the visually impaired.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a flat numismatic item intended for hand-to-hand circulation.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced via industrial hub-and-die process; high-quality engraving but low individual artistic rarity.
Authentication Indicators
Standard US Mint die characteristics, correct typography, and the presence of the 'D' mint mark in the correct field position.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Denver Mint, Colorado.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-1964); specifically part of the circulating commemorative series (1999-present).
Age Estimate
Post-1998. The 'United States of America' text moved to the obverse in 1999 with the start of the 50 State Quarters Program.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of American currency and one of the most widely used coins in global commerce history.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Fair. Significant surface oxidation, 'environmental damage' or toning producing a coppery/brown hue, and visible contact marks/scratches.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 USD. No significant numismatic premium due to high mintage and circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
For circulating coins, no special care is needed. Do not clean or polish if numismatic value is suspected, as this destroys collector value.
Similar Pieces
1932-1964 Silver Quarters (90% silver, no copper edge visible); 1976 Bicentennial Quarters; Proof Silver Quarters (noted by 'S' mint mark and silver edge).
Interesting Facts
Quarters minted after 1964 contain no silver; the 'silver' appearance comes from the nickel-heavy outer cladding.