1934 Washington Quarter - Heavy Motto

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,400 MS67+ 05-26-2022 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

This 1934 Washington quarter displays the Heavy Motto variety, the most pronounced of the three motto varieties found on 1934 Philadelphia quarters. The "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto above Washington's head appears significantly bolder and thicker than on the Light Motto or Medium Motto varieties. The three 1934 motto varieties resulted from different die preparations: the Light Motto dies show thin, delicate lettering suggesting heavy die polishing that reduced the motto's relief; the Medium Motto represents the standard impression; and the Heavy Motto displays deeply struck, wide letters from a more aggressively hubbed die. These differences are most easily observed by comparing the thickness of the letters "I" and "N" in "IN" and the overall boldness of "TRUST." Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams, 24.3mm diameter, reeded edge.

Rarity Notes

The Heavy Motto is the scarcest of the three 1934 Philadelphia motto varieties. Total Philadelphia mintage was 31,912,052 pieces, shared across Light, Medium, and Heavy Motto dies. The Heavy Motto variety commands a premium over the other two varieties in comparable grades.

Cross References

PCGS #85794; NGC #15793