Washington Quarter (90% Silver Series)
Coin / Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco workshops)
Pattern: Washington Quarter Dollar series, first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth.
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco workshops)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight of 6.25 grams with approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (when freshly minted).
Description
A classic example of American 90% silver circulating currency. This Washington Quarter displays a heavy gunmetal-grey tarnish, characteristic of silver that has been stored in high-sulfur environments or handled frequently. The iconic Flanagan design remains one of the most recognized motifs in the history of the U.S. Mint, representing both a functional medium of exchange and a portable store of precious metal value.
Key Features
90% silver content (identified by color and lack of a copper-colored 'sandwich' edge), John Flanagan's initials 'JF' on the base of Washington's neck, and the lack of 1965+ clad composition characteristics.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight of 6.25 grams with approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original mint luster with natural peripheral oxidation (tarnish). Features a left-facing profile of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with wings spread on the reverse. Style is Neoclassical-inspired Modernism by John Flanagan.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Values stamped: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date; Reverse stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'. Potential mint marks (D or S) would be found on the reverse below the eagle's wreath for pieces prior to 1965.
Construction Details
Die-struck/milled coinage. Produced by high-pressure steam or electric presses striking a prepared silver planchet between two steel dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (traditionally used to prevent 'clipping' or shaving off silver from the edges), legal tender denomination of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage); however, the reeded edge provides tactile grip for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. Despite being mass-produced, the sharpness of the original Flanagan sculpt was maintained across decades of production using master hubs.
Authentication Indicators
Visual silver luster under tarnish; reeded edge lacks the distinct copper line found in 1965-present clad quarters; wear patterns are consistent with soft 90% silver alloy. Authentic 'ringing' sound when tapped (though not recommended to do aggressively) is a common field test.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver ('D'), or San Francisco ('S').
Era & Period
Modern Numismatic Era (specifically the 90% Silver period: 1932-1964).
Age Estimate
Pre-1965 based on the visual color and tarnish pattern; specifically likely 1932-1964 as silver was removed from quarters in 1965.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the U.S. monetary system from a precious metal standard to a fiat/base-metal system. For modern silver stackers, 'junk silver' quarters like this are a preferred way to hold silver for barter or small-increment investment.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; significant surface wear consistent with mid-grade 'Very Good' to 'Fine'. Heavy tarnish/patina is present across the obverse field. No major rim dings visible.
Value Estimate
Common dates trade primarily based on silver melt value (approx. 18-22x face value depending on market spot price). Rare dates (1932-D or 1932-S) can be worth hundreds or thousands in high grades.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated coins, do not polish or clean with abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes. If tarnish is excessive, a mild dip may be used by professionals, but generally, 'natural' patina is preferred by collectors.
Similar Pieces
1965-Present Clad Quarters (look similar but contain no silver); Standing Liberty Quarters (pre-1932 silver quarters with different design); Canadian Silver Quarters (80% silver with different sovereign imagery).
Interesting Facts
The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be a one-year commemorative, but its popularity led to it replacing the Standing Liberty design permanently. In 1965, the Coinage Act removed silver from the quarter due to rising silver prices and coin shortages.