1942 Proof Washington Quarter

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,800 PR69 01-12-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1942 Proof Washington Quarter is a proof quarter struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. With a mintage of 21,123, this is a scarce issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Produced during World War II, when the Mint altered coin compositions to conserve strategic metals for the war effort. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $144. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5981.

Rarity Notes

Proof mintage of 21,123. Proof sets from this era are moderately scarce, with most examples found in grades of PR-63 to PR-65.

Cross References

PCGS #5981; NGC #15981