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-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.
Estimated Value
$6-$10 for common circulated grades; $30-$150+ for high Uncirculated (MS) grades.
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint). If a small 'S' or 'D' were present, it would be located below the eagle on the reverse.
Mintage & Rarity
31,912,052 total at Philadelphia. Common for the series, though it is a popular 'early' date silver quarter.
Weight & Diameter
6.25 grams; 24.3 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine. The eagle's breast feathers and Washington's hair show significant wear, but major details remain visible.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Created At: 2026-04-20T11:08:45.670772