1956 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
$5,280 MS68 11-19-2023 Heritage Auctions
Description
A quarter from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1956 Washington Quarter belongs to the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. The U.S. Mint produced 44.1 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 58% 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $34 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 #5860.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 44,144,000 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 #5860; NGC #15860
External References
Error Varieties(9)
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-009
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-011
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-008
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-009
1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
Other Strike Types in This Series
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