1956 Washington Quarter Value Guide

The 1956 Washington Quarter is a prized piece of American numismatic history, representing the final decade of the 90% silver circulating coinage. Designed by John Flanagan to honor the bicentennial of Washington's birth, this specific year is highly collectible for its intrinsic bullion value and its historical connection to the post-war era.

What Is 1956 Washington Quarter Worth?

The typical price range for 1956 Washington Quarter is $5 - $10 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The current spot price of silver significantly dictates the baseline 'melt value' for these 90% silver quarters.
• Mint state (MS) grades, particularly those with 'Full Wings' detail on the reverse, command higher premiums over circulated examples.
• The presence of the 'D' mint mark can influence rarity depending on the total mintage numbers for that specific year.
• Surface preservation, including the lack of scratches, heavy toning, or cleaning marks, is critical for reaching the $10 valuation ceiling.

How to Identify 1956 Washington Quarter?

• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin a distinct metallic ring compared to modern clad versions.
• Check the reverse side below the eagle's wreath for a 'D' mint mark (Denver) or the absence of a mark (Philadelphia).
• Examine the crispness of the eagle's breast feathers and Washington's hair curls to determine the level of circulation wear.
• Look for the 'JF' initials on the base of Washington's neck, signifying the designer John Flanagan.

History of 1956 Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Originally intended as a one-year commemorative issue, it proved so popular that it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter and has been in continuous production ever since. The design by John Flanagan features a bust of Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964, including this 1956 example, are composed of 90% silver, making them highly sought after by collectors for their intrinsic metal value in addition to their numismatic worth.