1953 Washington Quarter

About This Coin

The 1953 Washington Quarter is a United States quarter from the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series — 21st of 32 years in the series. In 1953, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 88.8 million. This ranks 18th of 32 years by total mintage, above the series median of 87.7 million. 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 in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 18 known die varieties for this date across 5 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, master die doubling obverse and 2 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $19 to $67 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $5.0K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Flanagan.