1948 (S) Washington Quarter
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$23,500 MS68 CAC 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1948 (S) Washington Quarter represents a San Francisco Mint issue from the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. With a mintage of 16.0 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 23% of total 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $57 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5838.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 15,960,000 pieces. Common in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples are available but high-grade gems are scarcer due to bag marks and handling during the silver era.
Cross References
PCGS #5838; NGC #15838
External References
Error Varieties(6)
1948-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1948-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1948-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1948-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1948-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1948-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
Other Strike Types in This Series
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