The first Washington quarters were introduced by the US Mint in 1932, containing 90% silver for many years. The 1945 quarter, made of precious metal during World War II, is particularly valuable today.
The best part is that you don’t need to be a coin collector to find value in these coins. With their high silver content, early quarters are a great way to invest for the future.
1945 Quarter Value Chart
Condition | 1945 No Mint Mark Quarter | 1945 D Quarter | 1945 S Quarter |
---|---|---|---|
Good | $11.16 | $11.16 | $11.16 |
Very Good | $11.16 | $11.16 | $11.16 |
Fine | $11.16 | $11.16 | $11.16 |
Very Fine | $11.16 | $11.16 | $11.16 |
Extra Fine | $11.16 | $11.16 | $11.16 |
AU | $12.62 | $15 | $12.62 |
MS 60 | $14 | $18 | $14 |
MS 65 | $44 | $52 | $44 |
History Of The 1945 Quarter
Silver American quarters have been in circulation since 1796 and were used until 1964 when the US Mint transitioned to cupronickel coins due to rising metal prices.
The Washington quarter was introduced in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. Interestingly, no coins with this denomination were minted in the years before or after 1932. Minting resumed in 1934 and has continued ever since.
1945 Washington Quarter Types
Location | Year | Minted |
---|---|---|
Philadelphia | 1945 No Mint Mark | 74,372,000 |
San Francisco | 1945 S | 17,004,001 |
Denver | 1945 D | 12,341,600 |
Total | / | 103,717,601 |
In 1945, the silver Washington quarter was minted during the final year of World War II, as the economy was transitioning back to peacetime conditions. The number of coins minted in 1945 was slightly lower than in previous years due to this change.
Variations in price for quarters of the same grade can occur based on factors such as quality, rarity, minting location, and the place of sale. Auctions often result in higher prices compared to other platforms like eBay or pawn shops, where competition can drive up value.
Features Of The 1945 Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter in 1932, and interestingly, there were no quarters minted in 1930 or 1933. All coins made up to 1964, including the 1945 quarter, contained 90% silver.
Obverse Of The 1945 Washington Quarter
The obverse of the 1945 quarter features George Washington’s profile, designed by John Flanagan. Despite Washington’s objection to such imagery, Flanagan created an accurate portrayal of the first president’s left profile, complete with his signature ponytail.
Key inscriptions on the obverse include:
- IN GOD WE TRUST – Placed on two lines to the left of Washington’s throat.
- LIBERTY – Symbolizing the nation’s ideals.
- 1945 – The year of minting, located at the bottom of the coin’s rim.
- JF – The designer’s initials, placed on Washington’s neck truncation.
Reverse Of The 1945 Washington Quarter
The reverse features the eagle, a symbol of the United States, perched on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength and readiness for conflict. Two olive branches represent peace. Inscriptions around the eagle include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – The name of the country.
- E PLURIBUS UNUM – Meaning “Out of many, one.”
- QUARTER DOLLAR – Indicating the coin’s value.
- S or D Mint Mark – Coins from San Francisco or Denver have a small mint mark near the olive branches.
1945 Washington Quarter Details
- Face Value: 25 cents
- Thickness: 1.75 mm (0.0687 inches)
- Diameter: 24.3 mm (0.9567 inches)
- Weight: 6.25 g (0.2204 ounces)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Silver Content: 5.623 g (0.1808 troy ounces)
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
1945 Washington Quarter Grading
The grading system helps assess a coin’s value based on its condition. Coins are typically categorized as either circulated or uncirculated. Circulated coins that are worn down are generally not collectible, while coins in good condition or better are valued higher. Mint state coins, which are in near-perfect condition, are the most sought after.
1945 Washington Quarter Value Guides
The total mintage for 1945 Washington quarters was 103,717,601 coins, with approximately two-thirds of them coming from the Philadelphia Mint.
1945 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
These quarters, with a mintage of 74,372,000, are priced between $10 and $40 in circulated condition. Perfectly preserved specimens can range from $7 to $480, with MS 68-rated coins reaching prices of $11,750, or even higher at auction.
1945 D Quarter Value
The Denver mint produced only 12,341,600 1945 quarters. These are worth around $5 to $8 in circulated condition, with mint state pieces priced as follows:
- MS 60: $19
- MS 61: $20
- MS 62: $22
- MS 63: $26
- MS 64: $30
- MS 65: $45
- MS 66: $75
- MS 67: $425
- MS 68: $21,000 (rare)
1945 S Quarter Value
The San Francisco Mint struck 17,004,001 quarters in 1945. Circulated pieces range from $4.80 to $8.40, while mint state coins are priced between $10 and $65, depending on the grade. The highest-graded MS 68 quarters can reach $25,000, and an MS 67 coin fetched $7,200 in 2020.
Rare 1945 Washington Quarter Errors
Errors can add value to coins, and collectors often seek out rare mistakes. Some common errors found on 1945 Washington quarters include:
- Off-Center: The coin is struck off-center, with values ranging from $30 for minor errors to $200 for more extreme cases.
- Doubled Die: A noticeable double image on the coin, which can be valuable. A 1945 DDO MS 65 coin sold for $552 in 2018.
- Quarter Struck On A Clipped Planchet: These deformed coins can be worth around $40, depending on their shape.
- Broad Struck: Coins struck outside the normal collar can fetch prices up to $253 for those with weak details.
Where To Sell Your 1945 Washington Quarter
If you’re ready to sell your coins, several verified online platforms offer free appraisals and sales options.
What Makes The 1945 Washington Quarters Unique?
While most 1945 quarters are common, some high-quality coins, especially those from the Denver Mint, are rare and can be worth a lot.
What Are The 1945 Washington Quarter Auction Records?
A 1945 D MS 68 sold for $20,400 in 2021.
A 1945 MS 68 sold for $16,450 in 2015.
A 1945 S MS 67 sold for $7,200 in 2020.
What Is The Most Expensive Washington Quarter?
The priciest Washington quarter sold at auction was the 1932 D MS 66, which fetched $143,750 in 2008.