The 1941 Washington Quarter is a popular coin among collectors and silver investors. Minted during a pivotal time in American history, this quarter is notable for its design, silver content, and role in the Washington Quarter series. This guide explores the history, design, mintages, notable varieties, and current value ranges for the 1941 Washington Quarter.
Key Highlights
- Designed by John Flanagan, first issued in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday.
- 1941 quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Produced at three US Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- No proof coins were issued in 1941.
- Several varieties and errors exist, making some coins more valuable to collectors.
Who Designed the 1941 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, a notable American sculptor. The design was first introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s portrait of Washington replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter and has remained a central feature of the series for decades.
Flanagan’s initials (“JF”) can be found on the truncation of Washington’s neck on the obverse. The design is known for its clarity, classic depiction, and enduring appeal.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
The obverse (front) of the coin features a left-facing portrait of George Washington. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed above his head, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left and the date “1941” below.
The reverse (back) shows a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches beneath. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are above the eagle, with “QUARTER DOLLAR” at the bottom.
Mints and Mintage Amounts
The 1941 Washington Quarter was struck at three US Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
| Mint | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 79,032,000 | None |
| Denver | 16,714,800 | D |
| San Francisco | 16,080,000 | S |
Proof and Special Issues
No proof or special issues of the Washington Quarter were produced in 1941. Regular issue coins from this year were all for circulation.
Notable and Rare 1941 Washington Quarters
While the 1941 Washington Quarter is generally common due to its high mintage, there are a few rare varieties and conditions that can command significant premiums.
- High-Grade Coins: 1941 quarters in Mint State (MS67 or higher) can be scarce and valuable, especially with full, frosty luster and few marks.
- Full Head or Full Detail: Coins with sharp details, especially on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more sought after by collectors.
The most valuable 1941 Washington Quarter sold at auction was a Philadelphia mint coin graded MS68 by PCGS, which realized over $7,000 due to its exceptionally high grade and pristine condition.
Notable Error Coins of 1941
Error coins from 1941 are not widespread but can occasionally be found. The most notable errors include doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. These errors can occur at any mint, though they are generally rare for this year. Below is a table highlighting some known errors and their typical value ranges.
| Error Type | Mint Mark | Description | Value Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | None, D, S | Visible doubling on LIBERTY or date | $100 – $700 |
| Off-Center Strike | None, D, S | Strike off-center by 5% or more | $80 – $400 |
| Clipped Planchet | None, D, S | Missing metal from the planchet edge | $50 – $250 |
1941 Washington Quarter Values by Mint and Condition
The value of a 1941 Washington Quarter depends on its mint mark, condition, and whether it is raw (ungraded) or certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC. The following table summarizes typical value ranges as of 2024.
| Mint | Good (G4) | Fine (F12) | Extremely Fine (EF40) | About Uncirculated (AU50) | Mint State (MS63) | Mint State (MS65) | Superb Gem (MS67+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $7 | $8 | $9 | $11 | $17 | $45 | $1,000+ |
| Denver (D) | $7 | $8 | $10 | $13 | $26 | $80 | $1,800+ |
| San Francisco (S) | $7 | $8 | $10 | $14 | $28 | $90 | $2,000+ |
*Values are approximate and depend on the current silver market, collector demand, and coin eye appeal.
Intrinsic Value of the 1941 Washington Quarter
All 1941 Washington Quarters are made of 90% silver, with a total silver weight of about 0.1808 troy ounces. The melt value (intrinsic value based on silver content) will fluctuate with the silver spot price. As of early 2024, with silver around $25 per ounce, the melt value is approximately $4.50 per coin. However, most 1941 quarters trade at collectible premiums above melt value.
Conclusion
The 1941 Washington Quarter is a classic collectible coin with wide appeal due to its historical significance, silver content, and attractive design. While circulated examples are common and affordable, high-grade and error coins can be quite valuable. Collectors and investors interested in pre-1965 US silver coins will find the 1941 quarter a solid addition to their collections, both for its numismatic and intrinsic value.