The Washington silver quarter holds a significant place in American numismatic history and is a common item in the junk silver market.
The Washington quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This coin was introduced during the Great Depression, a period marked by economic hardship, making its issuance even more notable.
The coin was designed by American sculptor and medalist John Flanagan, who’s work was heavily influenced by Augustus St-Gaudens. Flanagan’s design for the Washington quarter became one of the most recognized and longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history. It has appeared on the quarter for over 90 years, with only minor modifications.
From its introduction in 1932, the Washington quarter was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Starting in 1965, due to the rising cost of silver, debasement of coinage began and the composition changed to a clad composition of copper-nickel over a pure copper core.
The obverse (front) of the quarter features a left-facing bust of George Washington. The detailed and dignified portrait has become one of the most recognized images in U.S. coinage. With inscriptions that read “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the year of minting.
The reverse (back) showcases the Heraldic Bald Eagle, clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The design also includes the face value “QUARTER DOLLAR” and the name of the issuing country “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
The Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter, which was minted from 1916 to 1930.
Washington Silver Quarter Mints
Washington Quarters were minted in three US Mint locations.
- The Philadelphia Mint
- The Denver Mint
- The San Francisco Mint
Coins from the Philadelphia Mint bear no mint mark. The Washington quarters from Denver and San Francisco bear the “D” and “S” mint marks.
The “silver era” of the Washington quarter (1932-1964) is highly sought after by collectors and stackers alike because of its intrinsic value. Each is minted from an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. The approximate silver weight of each silver quarter is roughly .179 troy ounces.
Buying Silver Quarters
Junk Silver Quarters are an ideal starting point for individuals looking to invest in silver. Washington quarters minted between 1932 and 1964, are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making them highly sought after for their intrinsic metal value.
They are extremely liquid and one of the most widely recognizable options for trading and bartering. The premiums over spot price are extremely low, especially when comparing to other fractional silver pieces.
After 1964, the U.S. Mint continued to produce special collector’s edition (proof) Washington quarters with the original 90% silver and 10% copper composition.
A standard shotgun bank roll of Washington Silver Quarters contains 40 coins. Forty silver quarters is the equivalent of $10 Face Value. Each bank roll of silver quarters contains roughly 7.15 troy ounces of silver. For uncirculated Washington Quarters, the silver content may be slightly higher.
The 1932-D (Denver mint) and 1932-S (San Francisco mint) are the key dates for the series due to their low mintages. They are the most sought-after and valuable Washington silver quarters for collectors.
Collecting silver quarters offers a glimpse into America’s numismatic history, and each is also a tangible connection to the nation’s past. Whether for the silver content or their historical significance, these coins remain popular among both collectors and stackers.
Notable Varieties and Key Dates
Washington quarters from the early years, especially those in higher grades (better condition), can have significant numismatic value. They are collected not only for their silver content but also for their historical significance and the story they tell about American history and economy during the 20th century.
1932-D and 1932-S:
- The 1932-D (Denver) and 1932-S (San Francisco) quarters are key dates in the series, known for their lower mintages and higher collector value. These specific coins can fetch a premium over their silver content value due to their rarity and demand among collectors.
How to Easily Identify a Washington Silver Quarter?
There are several simple and easy ways to determine if a Washington Quarter is of the variety that were minted with 90% silver content. The things to look for when identifying silver quarters are:
- The mintage year. Washington Quarters that are dated earlier than 1964 were minted with 90% silver content.
- Silver quarters have a slightly different color than clad quarters made after 1964. While checking the date is the first important clue, the luster of a circulated silver quarter is different.
- The edge of the quarter will be silver all the way through. Clad quarters have a core made from copper which is evident along the edge of the coin. Silver Washington quarters will show a completely silver edge.