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

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.