Numismatic Reference · 1932–1964
Silver Washington Quarter
Collector value up to $20,000
Every Washington Quarter dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver — a workhorse of the junk-silver world with a handful of surprising key dates. We buy rolls, bags, and singles.
Specs
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper (1932–1964)
- Weight
- 6.25 g
- Pure silver content
- 0.1808 troy oz
- Years struck
- 1932–1964
A short history
Introduced in 1932 to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, the Washington Quarter was originally intended as a one-year commemorative. It proved so popular that it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter permanently. Silver composition ran through 1964; from 1965 forward, quarters shifted to a copper-nickel clad.
What it's made of
Silver Washingtons weigh 6.25 grams of 90% silver, holding roughly 0.1808 troy oz of pure silver each. Ten silver quarters contain approximately 1.8 troy oz of silver.
Key dates & varieties to watch
- 1932-D and 1932-S — the low-mintage first-year keys
- 1936 Doubled Die Obverse
- 1937 Doubled Die Obverse
- 1942-D and 1943-S doubled dies
Values for key dates depend heavily on grade and authentication. Bring your coins in for an in-person look — we evaluate every piece individually.
How to identify it
- Obverse: Washington bust facing left, John Flanagan design
- Reverse: Heraldic eagle with wings spread
- Diameter 24.3 mm, weight 6.25 g (silver years)
- Mint mark on reverse below the eagle (silver years); moved to obverse in 1968
- A copper-colored edge stripe means clad (1965 or later); a solid silver-colored edge means pre-1965 silver
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell silver Washingtons from clad ones without a date?
Look at the edge of the coin. Silver Washingtons show a solid, uniformly silver-colored edge. Clad (1965 and later) coins show a distinct copper-colored stripe sandwiched between two silver-colored layers.
Related coins we buy
Bring your Silver Washington Quarters in for a free evaluation
Whether it's a single coin or a full collection, we make competitive offers on the spot. Book online or call — no obligation.