Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964

About This Series

John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington debuted in 1932 as a one-year commemorative honoring the bicentennial of Washington's birth — but the design proved so popular that it was retained as the permanent quarter dollar type, a distinction it has held for over nine decades. The 1932-D (436,800 struck) and 1932-S (408,000 struck) are the series' twin key dates, both produced in modest quantities during the depths of the Great Depression and commanding strong premiums in all grades. No quarters were struck at all in 1933, reflecting the economic crisis, and the denomination resumed in 1934. These 90% silver quarters (6.25 grams of .900 fine silver at 24.3mm diameter) circulated as workhorses of American commerce through the Depression, World War II, and the postwar boom, finally giving way to copper-nickel clad composition after 1964. The heraldic eagle reverse, featuring an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows beneath a glory of stars, remained unchanged throughout the silver era. Collectors pursue the series by date, mintmark, and condition, with many 1930s-1940s issues genuinely scarce in gem uncirculated grades. The Washington quarter's silver era represents the denomination's golden age — the period when these coins carried intrinsic precious metal value alongside their face value.

Series Information