First 10 Years of Washington Silver Quarters

The Washington Quarter was first issued in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. It was designed by sculptor John Flanagan, who won a competition among nearly 100 artists and sculptors.

George Washington was one of America’s greatest patriots and is renowned as the “Father of our Nation.” He was the first President of the United States from 1789-1797.

The obverse depicts a portrait of Washington that was based on a bust by Jean Antoine Houdon. The original bust was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin and created in 1785 (during Washington’s lifetime).

An eagle on the back is perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive sprigs.

The Washington Quarter was struck in 90% silver from 1932 until 1964, when silver was eliminated from the Quarter due to rising bullion prices.

This collection features each of the first tencoins: 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1942. No coins were made in 1933. All of these coins are now over 80 years old.

Silver coins disappeared from circulation after 1964, and millions of Washington Silver Quarters have been melted since the 1960’s for the precious silver value.

Just a fraction of the original Washington Silver Quarters remain today, but they are increasingly hard to find – and it is becoming almost impossible to find the first years of issue.

These coins were struck in much smaller quantities than modern Quarters. In fact, the total number of Washington Silver Quarters struck from 1932 to 1937 at all three U.S. Mints was about the same as the number of National Parks Quarters struck every 4-5 weeks today!

Silver coins are always treasured by collectors, and the first silver coins in any coin series are particularly prized for their special place in coinage history.

The coins are presented in custom wallet that preserves their condition and allows them to be safely shown to family and friends. The wallet includes a narrative about the coin’s design and history.