The first Washington Quarter was issued in 1932 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The obverse depicts the bust of Washington. The reverse design is that of a perched eagle with wings spread. The Washington Quarter was designed by New York sculptor, John Flanagan. His initials 'JF' appear at the truncation of Washington's neck.

 

 

From 1932 to 1964, the Washington Quarter was composed of 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Since pure silver is very soft, copper was added to all circulating silver coins to harden them and prevent excessive wear. These 90% Silver Washington Quarters had a weight of 6.25 grams, a diameter of 24.3 mm, a reeded edge. The edges of most silver coins were reeded to make evident any attempt to shave silver off the coin.

 

In 1965 the composition was changed to a 75% Copper and 25% Nickel outer shell bonded to a pure copper middle. The weight of these clad quarters is slightly less at 5.67 grams. This composition is still used today for circulating issues. All Washington Quarters have a diameter of 24.3 mm. The edges of the clad piece are still reeded for traditions' sake.

 

In 1975 and 1976, the design was changed in recognition of the United States Bicentennial. The obverse design was unchanged except for the dual date "1776-1976" while the reverse was entirely new. The new reverse design was the of a Colonial Drummer facing left with a victory torch encircled by thirteen stars to represent the original colonies. The new design was the work of Jack L. Ahr, who won the Treasury's open contest in 1973 for the honor.

 

The composition, weight, and diameter of the Bicentennial Quarters issued for general circulation were the same as the 1965 clad type. The U.S. Treasury did strike some Bicentennial Quarters in 40% Silver and offered them for sale, at a premium, to collectors in both Proof Sets and Uncirculated Sets consisting of the Bicentennial Quarter, Half, and Dollar. The 40% Silver Bicentennial Washington Quarter was composed of outer layers of 80% Silver and 20% Copper bonded to an inner core of 20.9% Silver and 79.1% Copper. The resulting silver purity was 39.97% (they call it 40%) and the weight was 5.75 grams.

 

All quarters minted in these two years are dated "1776-1976" therefore no quarters ever bore the date 1975! The regular design was resumed in 1977 and continued until 1998.

 

The Washington Quarter was struck in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

 

Average Circulated: A typical circulated coin from the period. All major features are easily identifiable. Date and mint mark are clear and readable.

 

BU (Brilliant Uncirculated): A strictly uncirculated coin with attractive mint luster but noticeable detracting contact marks or minor blemishes.

 

P (Philadelphia): The 'P' mint mark, used from 1980 to 1998, is located on the obverse, to the right of the ribbon in Washington's hair.*

 

D (Denver): The 'D' mint mark, from 1932 to 1967 is located on the reverse below the crossed branches and above the second "R" in "Quarter". From 1968-1998, it is located on on the obverse, to the right of the ribbon in Washington's hair.

 

S (San Francisco): The 'S' mint mark, from 1932 to 1967 is located on the reverse below the crossed branches and above the second "R" in "Quarter". From 1968-1998, it is located on on the obverse, to the right of the ribbon in Washington's hair.

 

* Note: Washington Quarters struck in Philadelphia prior to 1980 bear no mint mark.