The 1954 Washington Quarter is a silver coin that’s popular among collectors. Minted over 60 years ago, it holds historical significance and offers a unique blend of rarity and value.
If you’re interested in learning more about this coin, this guide will cover its composition, design, variations, and market value.
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What Is the 1954 Washington Quarter Made Of?
This quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. It stands out because most quarters minted after 1965 are made of copper or nickel. Silver coins like this are more valuable, and collectors appreciate their historical and monetary worth.
The shift away from silver occurred because people began hoarding these coins for their silver content, causing circulation issues. Additionally, silver prices rose, making it more expensive to produce coins than their face value. This led to the Coinage Act of 1965, which removed silver from standard circulating coins.
Design Features
The 1954 Washington Quarter’s obverse features George Washington’s profile, with the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “1954” inscribed around the portrait. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle holding arrows, with an olive branch below. Around the design, you’ll find “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
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1954 Washington Quarter Varieties
There are four main varieties of the 1954 Washington Quarter, each from different mints:
- 1954-D from the Denver Mint (42.3 million produced)
- 1954-S from the San Francisco Mint (11.8 million produced)
- 1954-P from the Philadelphia Mint (54.4 million produced)
- 1954 Proof from Philadelphia (233,300 produced)
The Philadelphia Mint had the highest production numbers in 1954, and it surpassed Denver for a few years.
How Much Is a 1954 Washington Quarter Worth?
The value of a 1954 Washington Quarter varies based on its condition and rarity. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Circulated condition: $4.45 to $7
- Proof condition: Starts at $17
High-grade, rare varieties of the quarter can fetch thousands at auction. For instance, a superb gem uncirculated 1954 P Washington Quarter sold for $17,250 in 2003.
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Notable 1954 Quarter Errors
Errors can increase the value of these coins. Here are some error types found in 1954 Washington Quarters:
- Repunched mint marks (RPMs): Occurs when the mint mark is stamped more than once, creating a double image. This error is common in the 1954-S variety.
- Strike-through errors: Happen when a foreign object is struck into the coin, leading to indentations or distorted designs.
Collectors often seek out these error coins for their uniqueness.
Where to Buy and Sell 1954 Washington Quarters
You can buy or sell 1954 quarters online through platforms like eBay, Amazon, and specialized coin auction sites. Alternatively, you can visit local coin shops, and pawn shops, or attend coin auctions to trade your quarters.
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FAQs
Is the 1954 Washington Quarter rare?
- While the 1954 quarter isn’t particularly rare, high-grade versions (MS 68 or higher) are rare and highly valuable.
How do I find the mint mark on my 1954 Washington Quarter?
- The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle’s olive branch.
What’s the melt value of a 1954 quarter?
- As of today, the melt value for its silver content is about $3.98, but this could change depending on silver prices.