Washington Quarter (1932 - 1998)

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Washington Quarter (1932–1998): An Enduring Tribute to the First President

The Washington Quarter, introduced in 1932 to honor George Washington's 200th birth anniversary, is a cornerstone of American coinage. Designed by John Flanagan, this iconic quarter has undergone significant changes over its long production run, from its original 90% silver composition to modern copper-nickel clad materials.

Key Specifications

  • Designer: John Flanagan
  • Issue Dates: 1932–1998
  • Composition:
    • 1932–1964: 90% silver, 10% copper
    • 1965–1998: Copper-nickel clad with a pure copper core
  • Diameter: 24.3 mm
  • Weight:
    • Silver Quarters: 6.25 grams
    • Clad Quarters: 5.67 grams
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Business Strike Mintage: Over 35 billion (combined clad and silver)
  • Proof Mintage: Over 100 million

Key Variants and Types

Type 1: Silver Washington Quarters (1932–1964)

The inaugural design by John Flanagan features Washington's profile on the obverse, based on a bust by Jean Antoine Houdon. The reverse showcases an eagle perched on a branch with outstretched wings.

  • Mintmarked Keys:
    • 1932-D and 1932-S: With low mintages, these are the scarcest in the series.
    • 1934 Light and Heavy Motto Varieties: Collectible but less sought after than the key dates.
  • Proof Coins: Struck from 1936 to 1942 and 1950 to 1964, these are prized for their sharp details and mirror-like finishes.

Type 2: Clad Quarters (1965–1998)

In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition to conserve silver. This change marked the end of silver quarters in regular circulation.

  • Notable Varieties:
    • The 1950-D over S and 1950-S over D over-mintmarks are rare die varieties that appeal to specialists.
    • Doubled die obverse varieties, including 1937, 1942-D, 1943, and 1943-S, can command significant premiums.

Type 3: Bicentennial Quarters (1976)

To celebrate the nation’s Bicentennial, a special reverse design by Jack Ahr featuring a colonial drummer was introduced. These coins also feature the dual date "1776-1976."

  • Composition:
    • Circulation coins were copper-nickel clad.
    • Collectible versions struck in 40% silver were available in both Proof and Uncirculated finishes.

Historical Significance and Design Evolution

The Washington Quarter's introduction in 1932 marked a break from the tradition of shared designs across denominations. Flanagan’s design replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter, symbolizing a modern tribute to the nation's first president.

  • 1932 Design Selection Controversy:
    Despite widespread support for Laura Gardin Fraser's design, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon chose Flanagan’s work, a decision revisited in 2022 when Fraser’s design was adopted for the obverse.

  • Material Changes:

    • 1965 Transition: Rising silver prices led to the adoption of copper-nickel clad composition.
    • Modern Programs: Special series, such as the State Quarters (1999–2009), followed the Washington Quarter's original design, expanding its legacy.

Collecting Washington Quarters

Key Dates and Rarities

  • 1932-D and 1932-S: Iconic key dates with low mintages.
  • 1936-D: Scarce in Uncirculated grades due to low contemporary interest.
  • Doubled Die Varieties: Highly sought after by advanced collectors.
  • 1950 Over-Mintmarks: Rare and intriguing for die variety enthusiasts.

Bicentennial Quarters

The 1976 dual-dated quarters are collectible in both clad and 40% silver compositions, with high availability for most grades.

Market Insights

  • Affordability: Common dates are readily available at accessible prices, making the series ideal for beginners.
  • Premium Coins: High-grade examples (MS67 and above) and Proof coins from the pre-1965 era command strong prices.
  • Investment Potential: Rare varieties, key dates, and ultra-high-grade specimens hold enduring value.

Why Collect Washington Quarters?

The Washington Quarter offers a rich blend of history, artistry, and accessibility. With its roots in the nation's Bicentennial celebrations and its enduring presence in circulation, it’s a timeless favorite for collectors of all levels.

Explore Washington Quarters at ParadimeCoins.com

Find a wide selection of Washington Quarters, including key dates, rare varieties, and high-grade examples, at ParadimeCoins.com. Start or enhance your collection with our expertly curated inventory of these iconic coins!