Washington Quarter
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1934
Denomination: Quarter Dollar ($0.25)
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Brief Description
A silver United States 25-cent coin featuring George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Washington Quarter series began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. It replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter. The 1934 date is from the early years of the set, during the Great Depression era.
Estimated Value
$6-$10 in circulated condition, $50-$150+ in high-grade Mint State levels.
Care Instructions
Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals, as this destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges to avoid getting oils from skin on the surface. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival sleeve.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint). If a small letter 'D' or 'S' were present under the wreath on the reverse, it would indicate Denver or San Francisco.
Mintage & Rarity
31,912,052 (Relatively common, though more scarce than modern quarters).
Weight & Diameter
6.25 grams / 24.3 mm
Edge
Reeded (ridged)
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine. Significant wear is visible on Washington's hair and the eagle's breast feathers, but all legends and the date are clearly legible.
Obverse (Front)
Profile of George Washington facing left, based on the Houdon bust. Legend 'LIBERTY' above, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' to the left, and date '1934' below. Designed by John Flanagan.
Reverse (Back)
An American eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Legends 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The main factors are silver melt value (the floor price) and the physical condition (grade). 1934 is a common date, but high-grade examples or those with the 'Heavy Motto' variety are more valuable.
Similar Coins
1932-1964 Silver Quarters look nearly identical; after 1964, quarters switched to a copper-nickel 'clad' composition which lacks the silver edge and ring.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check the edge for a copper stripe (if present, it is a fake or a later clad coin). Check the weight; silver quarters weigh 6.25g while clad weigh 5.67g. Listen for the high-pitched silver 'ring' when gently tapped.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1934 has three distinct 'Motto' varieties: Light, Medium, and Heavy Motto, referring to the thickness of 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. The Heavy Motto is the most common for the Philadelphia mint.
Created At: 2026-04-20T11:08:30.186678