1934 Washington Quarter - Medium Motto
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$15,275 MS68 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
This 1934 Washington quarter displays the Medium Motto variety, representing the intermediate die state between the Light Motto and Heavy Motto varieties found on 1934 Philadelphia quarters. The "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto above Washington's head shows lettering of moderate weight and definition, neither as thin as the Light Motto nor as bold as the Heavy Motto. The Medium Motto variety resulted from standard die preparation without the extensive polishing that created the Light Motto or the deep hubbing that produced the Heavy Motto. Distinguishing the Medium Motto from the other two varieties requires careful comparison of letter width and depth, particularly in the words "IN" and "TRUST." This variety is recognized by major grading services as a distinct catalog entry. 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 Medium Motto variety falls between the Light and Heavy Motto in relative scarcity. Total Philadelphia mintage was 31,912,052 pieces shared across all three motto varieties. Recognized by PCGS with its own catalog number.
Cross References
PCGS #5793; NGC #15793
External References
Error Varieties(20)
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-006
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-009
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-012
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-013
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-015
1934 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-016
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1934 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
