1937 Proof Washington Quarter

Coin Details

Auction Record

$18,400 PR68 07-27-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1937 Proof Washington Quarter is a proof quarter struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. With a mintage of 5,542, this is a rare issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $449. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5976.

Rarity Notes

With a proof mintage of only 5,542, this is one of the scarcer pre-war proof Washington quarters. Pre-war proofs are significantly rarer than their post-1950 counterparts and command strong premiums in all grades.

Cross References

PCGS #5976; NGC #15976