1938 Washington Quarter
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
$14,400 MS68 10-10-2021 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1938 Washington quarter was struck during the Great Depression era, a period when economic hardship reduced commerce and many Americans hoarded silver coins. John Flanagan's design, now in its 7th year of production, features Washington's profile based on Houdon's 1785 bust on the obverse, with a heraldic eagle perched on arrows and flanked by olive branches on the reverse. This Philadelphia Mint issue carries no mint mark, following the convention for the principal mint facility. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3mm and a reeded edge.
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
