Designed by: John Flanagan
Issue Dates: 1932-1964
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Weight: 6.25 grams (96.45 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 3,780,1177,001
Proof Mintage: 19,911,592

1932–1964 Washington Quarter – 90% Silver | Classic Heraldic Eagle Reverse | Key Dates: 1932-D & 1932-S

Introduced in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, the Washington Quarter marked the beginning of one of America’s most iconic coin series. Designed by acclaimed sculptor John Flanagan, the obverse features a dignified left-facing portrait of George Washington, modeled after the celebrated bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The reverse presents a modernized heraldic eagle clutching arrows and perched above a laurel wreath, symbolizing both strength and peace.

This first era of the series was struck in 90% silver, continuing annually (excluding 1933) until the end of 1964. Coins were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, with early low-mintage branch mint issues such as the 1932-D and 1932-S standing out as the key rarities of the silver Washington quarter series. Both issues are highly sought after and essential to completing a full set.

Quarters of this era are readily available in grades from Good to AU, with Uncirculated and Proof examples available for most dates. Proofs were officially struck from 1936 to 1942 and again from 1950 to 1964 at the Philadelphia Mint. Collectors seeking superbly struck coins will find that most issues are well produced, although some—like the 1935-D, 1936-D, and 1937-D—can show modest softness in the central devices.

Collector Highlights:

• 1932-D and 1932-S: Key semi-key dates, low mintages, conditionally rare.

• 1934 Light Motto vs. Heavy Motto: Subtle varieties that interest specialists.

• 1936-D: Scarce in Mint State due to lack of roll saving at time of issue.

• 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D: Popular RPM (repunched mintmark) varieties.

• 1964: Final year of silver coinage before transition to clad composition.

With the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965, the alloy changed to a clad composition—copper-nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core—thus ending over 170 years of circulating silver coinage in the United States.

Whether you’re building a type set, assembling a full silver date-and-mintmark collection, or looking for investment-grade certified examples, the 90% silver Washington quarter offers a blend of historical significance, affordable entry points, and solid collector interest. High-grade specimens from the early 1930s and mid-century rarities continue to perform well in the numismatic market, appealing to both traditional collectors and silver bullion investors alike.