1935-D Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Denver branch)
Pattern: Washington Quarter (Circulating Commemorative design by John Flanagan)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Denver branch)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (specularly referred to as 'junk silver' or '90% constitutional silver')
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Standard weight: 6.25 grams (approx. 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver content).
Description
A classic example of American numismatics, the 1935-D Washington Quarter was minted just three years after the design’s debut. Originally intended as a one-year commemorative for Washington's 200th birthday, the design became the permanent replacement for the Standing Liberty Quarter. This specimen shows significant circulation wear, consistent with the economic activity of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Low mintage year (5,660,000 struck at Denver); the 'D' mint mark is the primary value driver compared to the common Philadelphia strike.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (specularly referred to as 'junk silver' or '90% constitutional silver')
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with frosted relief and satin fields when uncirculated; features George Washington in profile on the obverse and a spread-winged eagle on a bundle of arrows with olive branches on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'D' mint mark on the reverse (below the eagle's tail) indicating the Denver Mint; '1935' date on obverse; 'JF' designer initials on the truncation of Washington's neck; 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-minted using high-pressure coin presses at the Denver Mint facility.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-clipping security; raised rim to protect the design during circulation; legal tender status of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin form factor); currently stored in a 2x2 cardboard and mylar staple-flip holder.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial scale die-striking; quality is judged by the sharpness of the strike and the preservation of the original luster (which this piece has lost due to use).
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for 1935 date; specific placement of 'D' mint mark; natural wear patterns on high points (Washington's hair and cheek). Holder notations match coin identity.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Denver, Colorado (Mint facility).
Era & Period
Great Depression Era / Early Washington Design Period (1932-1964 for silver composition).
Age Estimate
Dated 1935 (89 years old).
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the transition of US coinage from allegorical figures (Liberty) to historical presidents; reflects the silver-standard economy of the United States before the 1965 transition to clad-metal coinage.
Condition Notes
About Good (AG) to Good (G) condition. Heavy circulation wear is visible; the rim is beginning to merge with the lettering. Tarnish and surface grime are present. Structural integrity is sound with no major gouges, though the image is out of focus.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $35.00 (The $260.00 price tag shown on the holder is likely an error, a decimal mistake for $2.60, or a highly outdated price for a grade this coin does not possess; in this worn state, it is worth closer to $10-$15).
Care & Maintenance
Never clean or polish coins; it destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent 'PVC damage' (green slime) and minimize atmospheric tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1932-D and 1936-D Washington Quarters. The 1932-D is the 'key date' of the series and worth significantly more (hundreds to thousands of dollars).
Interesting Facts
The 1935-D is significantly scarcer than the Philadelphia version (over 32 million) or the San Francisco version (over 5 million) in high grades; it represents the survival of coinage through the tail end of the Great Depression.