1960 Washington Quarter Dollar Sterling-Equivalent Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Department of the Treasury)
Pattern: Washington Quarter, designed by John Flanagan (1932)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Department of the Treasury)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (contains approximately 0.1808 troy oz of pure silver)
Description
A classic example of American 90% silver coinage, the 1960 Washington Quarter represents the final years of precious metal currency in the United States before the 1965 transition to copper-nickel clad compositions.
Key Features
Date of 1960; distinct ring of silver when dropped; visible lack of orange/copper core on the edge
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck circulation finish; Neoclassical relief featuring George Washington (obverse) and Heraldic Eagle (reverse)
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date '1960' and 'LIBERTY' on obverse; Mottos 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'; possible mint mark (D for Denver) on reverse above the eagle's tail
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck from planchets (blanks) at a high-pressure minting press
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent debasement and clipping of the precious metal
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard round coinage form)
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting strike; the 1960 issue is known for generally strong strikes but lacks the high-art hand-chasing of earlier silver centuries.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (6.25g), reeded edge, sound resonance, and date prior to 1965
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver ('D' mark) mint facilities
Era & Period
Modern Era (mid-20th century); pre-1965 silver coinage era
Age Estimate
Produced in 1960; 64 years old as of current date
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'silver age' of American prosperity and the standard of precious metal backing for daily commerce in the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition; evidence of surface wear on Washington's hair and cheek; light scratches and toning present
Value Estimate
$4.50 to $6.00 (primarily based on silver 'melt' value, roughly 20-22x face value depending on spot price)
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish coins as this removes the numismatic surface and drastically reduces collector value; store in PVC-free flips or tubes.
Similar Pieces
1932-1964 Quarters (all 90% silver); 1965-Present Quarters (Copper-Nickel Clad, no silver value); 1976 Bicentennial Silver Quarters (40% silver)
Interesting Facts
The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be a commemorative for the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth in 1932 but proved so popular it replaced the Standing Liberty design permanently.