1948 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
$43,200 MS68+ 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1948 Washington Quarter is a quarter produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. The U.S. Mint produced 35.2 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 52% of the year's 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $41 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 #5836.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 35,196,000 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 #5836; NGC #15836
External References
Error Varieties(11)
1948 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1948 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-006
1948 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007
1948 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
