1934 Washington Quarter - Light Motto
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $8,813
- Sold
- Grade
- MS67+
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
This 1934 Washington quarter exhibits the Light Motto variety, characterized by thin, delicate lettering in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, under Washington's chin on the obverse. The Light Motto dies were made from the 1932 hub, whose motto was in low relief, so the letters are thinner and lighter than on the Medium Motto and Heavy Motto coins of the same year. The individual letters appear narrower and more widely spaced, with the vertical strokes of letters like "I," "T," and "D" appearing particularly slim. This variety is one of three distinct motto impressions found on 1934 Philadelphia Washington quarters, each made from a different hub. NGC finds it the least common of the three. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams, 24.3mm diameter, reeded edge.
Rarity Notes
The Light Motto is the most common of the three 1934 Philadelphia motto varieties. Total Philadelphia mintage was 31,912,052 pieces. While readily available in circulated grades, gem uncirculated examples with strong luster remain desirable.
Cross References
PCGS #5794; NGC #15793
External References
Error Varieties(5)
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-011
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1934 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1934 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
Other Strike Types in This Series
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