Are you looking for an old silver coin with historical value? Then you might want to check out the 1952 Washington silver quarter! This coin is now over 70 years old and has become a favorite among collectors due to its mix of silver content and rich history. Let’s dive into what makes this coin so special.
What is the 1952 Washington Silver Quarter Made Of?
The 1952 Washington quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. It was part of the Washington series, which began in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. The coin was so popular that the U.S. Mint continued producing it, but in 1965, silver was removed from the coins. So, if you find a quarter from before 1965, like the 1952 version, it contains real silver!
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1952 Washington Silver Quarter Design
On the front (obverse), you’ll see George Washington’s profile, and on the back (reverse), there’s an eagle with spread wings holding arrows and olive branches. This design gives the coin its iconic and patriotic look.
Types of 1952 Silver Quarters
There are three main types of 1952 silver quarters, based on where they were minted:
- 1952-D (Denver): Over 49 million quarters were made here.
- 1952-S (San Francisco): About 13.7 million were minted.
- 1952-P (Philadelphia): Roughly 38.7 million were produced.
There’s also a proof version minted in Philadelphia, specially made for collectors, with only 82,000 produced!
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Common Errors in 1952 Quarters
Coins from 1952 sometimes have interesting errors that make them even more valuable! Some of these include:
- Lamination errors (when foreign material mixes with the metal, causing cracks or peeling).
- Die cracks (when the die used to stamp the coin cracks, leaving lines on the coin).
- Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) (when the mintmark is accidentally stamped more than once, creating a blurry look).
How Much Is a 1952 Silver Quarter Worth Today?
Although the face value of the 1952 quarter is 25 cents, its silver content and collectible value make it worth much more. The melt value (what you get just for the silver) can be up to $4. Prices for circulated coins range from $4.45 to $7, but coins in better condition can be worth much more at auctions!
Grading the 1952 Silver Quarter
Coin experts use a scale from 1 to 70 to grade the condition of coins. Higher grades mean the coin is in better shape, which increases its value. Mint State (MS) coins, which have never been used, can sell for thousands of dollars!
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Where Can You Buy or Sell the 1952 Silver Quarter?
You can easily find 1952 silver quarters online on websites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. You can also check out local coin shops, pawnshops, or antique stores if you prefer in-person buying and selling.
FAQs
Is a 1952 quarter pure silver?
No, it’s 90% silver and 10% copper.
Where is the mint mark on a 1952 silver quarter?
You can find the mint mark on the back, below the olive branch.
How much silver is in a 1952 quarter?
It contains about 5.13 grams of silver, or 0.18 ounces.