Washington Quarter Collection Value Guide

Period
1932-1942
Origin
United States
Materials
Silver, copper, nickel, cardboard

This collection features the initial decade of the Washington quarter, a series launched in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. Housed in a classic Whitman folder, these early 90% silver specimens represent the original John Flanagan design before the 1965 transition to copper-nickel clad composition.

What affects the value of Washington Quarter Collection?

  • The presence of the 1932-S and 1932-D key dates, which significantly increase the collection's market price.
  • The overall grade of the coins, specifically looking for 'Full Breast Feathers' on the eagle's reverse.
  • The current spot price of silver, as these 1932-1942 quarters contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver each.
  • The absence of cleaning or harsh abrasions, as original luster and natural toning are preferred by numismatists.

How to Identify Washington Quarter Collection?

  • Verify the 90% silver composition which produces a distinct high-pitched ring compared to modern clad coins.
  • Check for the 'S' or 'D' mint marks on the reverse side, located below the eagle's wreath for coins minted before 1965.
  • Examine the designer John Flanagan's initials 'JF' found at the base of Washington's neck truncation.
  • Ensure the Whitman folder slots match the 1932-1942 date range to confirm the collection's era-specific completeness.

History of Washington Quarter Collection

The Washington quarter, first minted in 1932, was designed by John Flanagan to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Originally composed of 90% silver, its composition changed in 1965 to a copper-nickel clad due to rising silver prices. This particular collection showcases early examples of this iconic American coinage.

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