Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver, Coin Type from United States - detailed information

Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver, Coin Type from United States (issued 1932 - 1964)
Coin TypeWashington Quarter Dollar, Silver

The Quarter Dollar is a United States coin worth 25 cents. It has been produced on and off since 1796 and consistently since 1831.

After the initial issue of the "Draped Bust" type (1796 - 1807), a Capped Bust obverse was used until 1838, a Seated Liberty type (1838 - 1891), then the so-called Barber Quarter (1892 - 1916) and the Standing Liberty Quarter (1916 - 1930).

No quarters were issued in 1931, then the Washington Quarter Dollar was introduced. Initially meant as a one-year type commemorative to mark the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of George Washington's birth, it became the definitive style for the quarter dollar which is still issued today. Its obverse features the portrait of the first President of the United States; the reverse shows the American Eagle clutching a bunch of arrows, framed below by olive branches.

Until 1964 the composition of the Washington Quarter, like that of earlier coins of the denomination, was 90% silver and 10% copper. In 1965, the denomination was debased to copper-nickel, but the silver coins have never been demonetised and are still legal tender. This, of course, is of academic interest only, as their numismatic and bullion value is much higher than their face value.

Obverse
United States / Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver - obverse photo

At its centre, the obverse of the coin shows the portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States (1789 - 1797), facing left. He has long hear, tied below the neck with a ribbon.

The designer's initials JF (for John Flanagan) are in relief on the neck truncation.

Around above, the inscription LIBERTY. In smaller letters on two lines below left, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

Around below, the date of issue: [year].

Obverse Inscription LIBERTY IN GOD WE TRUST [year]
Reverse
United States / Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver - reverse photo

The central device on the reverse is the American eagle with outspread wings, facing the viewer; it is perched on a bundle of arrows framed below by two olive branches.

Above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. In small letters below that, on two lines the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (translated from Latin: Out of many, one).

Around below, the value and denomination in words: QUARTER DOLLAR.

Reverse Inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA QUARTER DOLLAR
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
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Coin Type: Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver - (32) Coins
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Washington Quarter Dollar, Silver: Details
CountryUnited States
CurrencyUS Dollar
Sub-type ofQuarter Dollar
From1932
To1964
Face Value25 (x Cent)
CurrentNo
Material0.900 Silver
DesignerJohn Flanagan
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size24.3000 mm
Thickness1.7500 mm
Mass6.2500 g