Washington Quarter

United States of America · 1934

A silver-colored coin featuring a profile of George Washington on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1934
Denomination: Quarter Dollar ($0.25)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 20, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored coin featuring a profile of George Washington on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Washington Quarter was first released in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. This 1934 specimen is from the third year of the series and represents the circulating silver coinage of the United States before the transition to copper-nickel clad in 1965.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of George Washington facing left, based on a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Legends: 'LIBERTY' (above), 'IN GOD WE TRUST' (left), and the date '1934' (below). Designer: John Flanagan.

Reverse (back)

A bald eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches below. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$6-$10 for common circulated grades; $30-$150+ for high Uncirculated (MS) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (Grade) is the primary factor. High-grade specimens with luster are much more valuable. Silver melt value (intrinsic value) acts as the baseline floor for the price.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine. The eagle's breast feathers and Washington's hair show significant wear, but major details remain visible.

Mintage & rarity

31,912,052 total at Philadelphia. Common for the series, though it is a popular 'early' date silver quarter.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (6.25g) and the sound: silver has a distinct high-pitched ring when gently tapped compared to the dull thud of copper-nickel. Look for the 'mushy' details common in casting counterfeits.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1934 quarter has three distinct obverse varieties based on the motto: Light Motto, Medium Motto, and Heavy Motto. The Heavy Motto is the most common for the date, while the Light Motto is scarcer and more desirable to variety collectors. There is also a rare 'Double Die Obverse' (DDO) for this year of issue professionally recognized by PCGS/NGC collectors.

Similar coins

Later clad Washington Quarters (1965-present) lack silver content. 1932-D and 1932-S are rare 'key dates' often confused with common dates.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this significantly reduces its numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin album to prevent 'tarnish' or scratches.