The Last Silver Washington Quarter

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. From 1932 to 1964, the coin was made in 90% silver for circulation; since 1965, it has been made in copper-nickel due to rising silver bullion prices. This is the last-ever 90% silver coin intended for circulation in 1964. It is now more than half a century old. Most coins were withdrawn from circulation in 1965, and all but a few were melted for the precious silver. Just a fraction of 90% silver Washington Quarters remain today, and they are increasingly hard to find – and it is almost impossible to find the very last silver coin from 1964.  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 of the coin 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 reverse is perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive sprigs.