The 1934 Washington Quarter holds a significant place in U.S. numismatic history as one of the earlier issues of the iconic Washington Quarter series. Released during a period of economic recovery, these quarters are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike for their historic context, design features, and silver content. This article provides an in-depth look at the 1934 Washington Quarter, including its design, mintages, values, key varieties, and notable auction records.
Key Highlights
- First year of regular production for the Washington Quarter after its introduction in 1932 (no quarters were minted in 1933).
- Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver weight of 0.1808 troy ounces.
- Two major mint varieties: Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D mintmark).
- No proofs or special issues produced for 1934.
- Several collectible varieties and errors, including the “Light Motto” and “Heavy Motto” types.
Who Designed the 1934 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, an accomplished sculptor known for his portraiture. The obverse features a profile of George Washington, based on the bust sculpted by Jean-Antoine Houdon in 1785. Flanagan’s design was selected in a 1931 competition that sought to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
Flanagan’s initials, “JF,” can be found at the base of Washington’s neck on the obverse. The coin’s reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive branches, symbolizing both readiness for war and a desire for peace.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
- Obverse: Features a left-facing bust of George Washington with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1934.”
- Reverse: Displays a bald eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows above olive branches. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Mints and Mintage Figures
The 1934 Washington Quarter was produced at two United States mints:
- Philadelphia (no mintmark): 31,912,052 coins minted
- Denver (D mintmark): 3,527,200 coins minted
No quarters were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1934.
Proof and Special Issues
No proof or special issue Washington Quarters were produced by the U.S. Mint in 1934. The next proofs in the series would not appear until 1936.
Notable and Rare Varieties of the 1934 Washington Quarter
Collectors pay particular attention to the 1934 Philadelphia quarters due to two distinct varieties often referred to as the “Light Motto” and “Heavy Motto.” These varieties refer to differences in the strength and clarity of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse.
- Light Motto: The motto is faint, especially the “GOD” and “WE” portions, due to die polishing or overuse.
- Heavy Motto: The motto appears bold and clear.
The “Heavy Motto” variety is generally more desirable and can command a premium in high grades. However, neither is considered dramatically rarer than the other.
Notable Error Coins
Several error coins exist from the 1934 Washington Quarter mintage, though none are as famous as some later varieties. Collectors may encounter the following notable errors:
| Error/Variety | Mint | Description | Value Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse (DDO) | Philadelphia | Noticeable doubling of obverse inscriptions, particularly “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. | $200 – $1,000+ (depending on grade) |
| Off-Center Strike | Both | Portion of the design missing due to off-center striking. | $75 – $500+ |
| Clipped Planchet | Both | Portion of the coin’s rim is missing due to a miscut blank. | $40 – $200+ |
Values for error coins depend heavily on the severity of the error and the coin’s condition. Double Dies and dramatic Off-Center Strikes tend to command the highest premiums.
1934 Washington Quarter Value Table
| Mint | Good (G4) – Fine (F12) | Very Fine (VF20) – Extremely Fine (EF40) | About Uncirculated (AU50) – Uncirculated (MS60) | Choice Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | Gem Uncirculated & Certified (MS66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mintmark) | $8 – $12 | $12 – $18 | $18 – $45 | $45 – $150 | $150 – $2,000+ |
| Denver (D) | $8 – $15 | $15 – $25 | $25 – $80 | $80 – $400 | $400 – $4,000+ |
Values fluctuate based on silver prices, demand, and coin condition. Coins authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC typically realize higher prices, especially in MS66 or above.
Most Valuable 1934 Washington Quarter Sold at Auction
The most valuable 1934 Washington Quarter sold at auction to date is a 1934-D (Denver) quarter graded MS67+ by PCGS, which realized $10,575 in a 2016 Heritage Auctions sale. High-grade examples, particularly those with exceptional luster, strong strikes, and minimal marks, are scarce and command significant premiums.
Conclusion
The 1934 Washington Quarter offers collectors and investors a blend of historical significance, silver content, and collectible varieties. While most circulated examples trade near their bullion value, high-grade and error coins can command substantial premiums. The distinction between “Light Motto” and “Heavy Motto” varieties adds another layer of interest for numismatists. As with all collectible coins, values are influenced by market demand, condition, and rarity, making it vital for collectors to acquire authenticated and accurately graded examples for their collections or investment portfolios.