The Washington Quarter

by Michael E. Marotta
© Copyright 1998 by Michael E. Marotta

Strictly speaking, the coin was only intended for one year, as a commemorative of the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. However, it proved extremely popular, and it was continued, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter.

Generally speaking, since the Civil War, many people save coins in the first year they are issued. Also, the US Mint often strikes millions of coins each year and especially so when new types are introduced. Therefore, you will find many 1883 Nickels and 1909 Cents in high grade.

However, in 1932, America was in the grips of the Great Depression. Unemployment was near 25%. Few people could afford to hold on to a quarter that might represent half a day's wages or more. Indeed, the US Mint struck fewer than 7 million Washington Quarters, less than half as many as in a normal year. As a result, 1932 Quarters are a little harder to come by. An uncirculated coin from the Denver mint can sell for over $200, though circulated specimens from Philadelphia can be had for well under $10.

America recovered from the Depression. To pay for the cost of World War Two, Washington Quarters were minted in astronomical numbers. Production runs at the US Mint topped over 100 million quarters for every year of World War II.

Beginning in 1965, the Washington Quarter became a sandwich of cupro-nickel alloy surrounding a copper core. To celebrate the Bicentennial, the reverse of 1976 featured a colonial drummer. The Washington Quarter has seen America through 63 years of hard times and good times. Today, the US Mint issues over one billion of them each year.