The 1937 Washington Quarter is a popular collectible among numismatists and silver coin investors. As part of the iconic Washington Quarter series, these coins offer historical significance, precious metal content, and potential for value appreciation. This guide explores the key facts, values, and notable features of the 1937 Washington Quarter, making it a useful resource for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts interested in United States coinage.
Key Highlights
- Designed by John Flanagan, introduced in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday.
- Minted in three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 mm.
- No proof coins were issued in 1937.
- No highly publicized major errors, but some minor varieties and condition rarities exist.
Who Designed the 1937 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, a renowned sculptor. The series was first issued in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s design was selected over other submissions for its dignified portrayal of Washington.
An interesting fact about the series is that Flanagan’s design remained largely unchanged for over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running motifs in U.S. coin history.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
Obverse: Features a left-facing bust of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1937.”
Reverse: Shows a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive branches. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Mint Locations and Mintage Amounts
The 1937 Washington Quarter was struck at three U.S. Mints:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D)
- San Francisco Mint (S)
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (none) | 19,696,000 |
| Denver | D | 7,189,600 |
| San Francisco | S | 1,652,000 |
Proof or Special Issues
No proof or special issue Washington Quarters were struck in 1937. The U.S. Mint did not resume proof coin production until 1936, but no proof quarters were made for circulation between 1937 and 1939.
Rarity and Notable Varieties
Among 1937 Washington Quarters, the San Francisco mint (S) had the lowest mintage, making it the key date for collectors from this year. However, none of the 1937 issues are considered major rarities in circulated grades. High-grade uncirculated specimens, especially those with original luster and strong strikes, are more difficult to find and can command premiums.
No famous or widely recognized major error coins have been documented for the 1937 Washington Quarter. Some minor doubled dies and repunched mint marks may exist, but none have attracted significant attention or dramatically increased value.
1937 Washington Quarter Error Coins
While there are no headline-making errors for the 1937 Washington Quarter, collectors occasionally encounter minor varieties. These may include repunched mint marks (RPMs) or small die cracks. Such coins tend to have modest premiums depending on their visibility and appeal.
| Mint | Error / Variety | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver (D) | Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) | Some coins display a D mint mark that appears doubled or repunched. | $30 – $150+ |
| San Francisco (S) | Minor Doubled Die | Very minor doubling seen on letters; rare and not widely collected. | $40 – $120 |
| All | Die Cracks | Raised lines on the coin from aging dies; minor collector premium. | $20 – $50 |
1937 Washington Quarter Value Table
Values for 1937 Washington Quarters vary based on condition and mint mark. The following table summarizes typical value ranges for raw (ungraded) coins and higher-grade certified examples.
| Mint | Good (G4) – Raw | Fine (F12) – Raw | Extremely Fine (EF40) – Raw | About Uncirculated (AU50) – Raw | Mint State (MS60) – Certified | Mint State (MS65) – Certified | Mint State (MS67) – Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (none) | $6 | $7 | $13 | $20 | $35 | $80 | $350+ |
| Denver (D) | $8 | $10 | $18 | $28 | $55 | $140 | $750+ |
| San Francisco (S) | $16 | $22 | $36 | $55 | $150 | $400 | $2,000+ |
Note: Values can fluctuate based on silver prices and collector demand. Coins with exceptional toning or eye appeal may command higher prices.
Most Valuable 1937 Washington Quarter Sold at Auction
The most valuable 1937 Washington Quarter sold at auction to date is a San Francisco (S) mint coin graded MS68 by PCGS, which realized over $7,000. Denver (D) and Philadelphia high-grade coins in MS67 or higher can also sell for several thousand dollars, but the S mint mark remains the top performer in elite grades due to its low mintage.
Does the 1937 Washington Quarter Have Intrinsic Value?
Yes, the 1937 Washington Quarter has intrinsic value due to its 90% silver content. Each coin contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of silver, giving it a melt value tied to current silver spot prices. As of mid-2024, the melt value is approximately $4.50–$5.00 per coin. However, collector and numismatic value far exceeds melt for most examples, especially for well-preserved or rare varieties.
Conclusion
The 1937 Washington Quarter holds a respected place in American numismatics. Its historical context, silver composition, and classic design attract both collectors and investors. While the Philadelphia and Denver issues are common in circulated grades, the San Francisco mint coin is scarcer and most desirable in higher grades. No major errors or proof issues are known, but minor varieties and high-grade coins can command strong premiums. For those interested in collecting or investing in silver coins, the 1937 Washington Quarter remains a solid and accessible choice.