The 1938 Washington Quarter holds a significant place in U.S. coinage history. Collectors and investors alike appreciate these coins for their historic design, silver content, and collectible value. This article explores the 1938 Washington Quarter, its background, design, mintage, values, and notable varieties to help you better understand its place in the numismatic world.
Key Highlights
- Designed by John Flanagan, featuring George Washington.
- Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper.
- Minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
- No Proof coins were issued for circulation in 1938.
- Notable for its moderate mintage and some scarce high-grade examples.
- Some error coins and high-grade specimens command significant premiums.
Who Designed the 1938 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan. His work was chosen in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s design replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter and has remained largely unchanged for decades. His portrait of Washington is considered iconic, blending classical elements with modern coinage sensibilities.
Interesting fact: John Flanagan was a well-known medalist and sculptor. Apart from the quarter, he also designed medals and other works of art in the early 20th century.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
Obverse: The obverse features a left-facing bust of George Washington, with the word “LIBERTY” above, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, and the date “1938” below.
Reverse: The reverse displays a heraldic eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches beneath. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are above, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” is below.
Mints and Mintage Amounts for the 1938 Quarter
The 1938 Washington Quarter was produced at three U.S. mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (none) | 9,472,000 |
| Denver | D | 2,853,600 |
| San Francisco | S | 2,832,000 |
Were There Any Proof or Special Issues in 1938?
No Proof Washington Quarters were struck in 1938. The U.S. Mint did not resume regular Proof coin production for collectors until 1936, but in 1938, no Proof Washington Quarters were issued. All 1938 quarters were struck for circulation.
Notably Rare 1938 Washington Quarters
While the 1938 Washington Quarter is not considered rare in circulated condition, certain high-grade examples and well-struck coins are scarce and command higher premiums. In particular:
1938-D and 1938-S in MS67 (Mint State 67) and above: These coins are much scarcer in superb condition, especially with full details on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast.
Full Head and Full Strike Specimens: Quarters with sharp, fully detailed strikes are always in greater demand among collectors.
In auction, a 1938-D quarter graded MS68+ by PCGS sold for over $17,000 in 2021, making it the most valuable known example of the year.
Notable Error Coins for the 1938 Washington Quarter
Error coins from 1938 are not as prevalent as in some other years, but collectors have identified a few types of errors, including doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. These errors can significantly increase value depending on the severity and visibility of the mistake.
| Mint Mark | Error Description | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| (none), D, S | Doubled Die Obverse (minor) | $100 – $500+ (depending on grade) |
| (none), D, S | Off-center Strike (5–20%) | $75 – $350+ |
| (none), D, S | Clipped Planchet | $50 – $300+ |
While no major, widely recognized errors are attributed solely to 1938 quarters, collectors should keep an eye out for general mechanical errors from this era.
1938 Washington Quarter Value Table by Mint and Grade
| Grade / Type | Philadelphia (No Mark) | Denver (D) | San Francisco (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G4) – Fine (F12) | $7 – $9 | $7 – $11 | $7 – $11 |
| Very Fine (VF20) – Extremely Fine (EF40) | $9 – $15 | $11 – $20 | $11 – $20 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) – AU58 | $15 – $25 | $18 – $35 | $18 – $35 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS63) | $25 – $60 | $30 – $75 | $30 – $75 |
| Mint State (MS64 – MS66) | $60 – $250 | $75 – $450 | $75 – $450 |
| Superb Gem (MS67 – MS68+) | $500 – $6,000+ | $1,000 – $17,000+ | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
Values vary based on the coin’s condition, luster, and whether it has been professionally graded by services such as PCGS or NGC.
Intrinsic Value of the 1938 Washington Quarter
The 1938 Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of silver. Its intrinsic (melt) value is directly tied to the current market price of silver. For example, if silver is at $25 per ounce, the melt value would be about $4.50. However, most 1938 quarters trade at significant premiums above melt value due to their collectible status.
Conclusion
The 1938 Washington Quarter is a captivating piece of American numismatic history. Designed by John Flanagan and struck in 90% silver, these coins offer both intrinsic and collectible value. While circulated examples are accessible to most collectors, high-grade and error coins can command substantial premiums. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new investor, the 1938 Washington Quarter remains a worthy addition to any collection or portfolio.