1938 Washington Quarter
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$14,400 MS68 10-10-2021 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1938 Washington Quarter represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. With a mintage of 9.5 million, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 77% 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. The 1938-S is a low-mintage semi-key issue. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $249 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5806.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 9,472,000 pieces. A moderately available issue, though gem examples (MS-65 and above) can be elusive due to the typically weak strikes and contact marks found on silver quarters of this era.
Cross References
PCGS #5806; NGC #15806
External References
Error Varieties(11)
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
Other Strike Types in This Series
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