1949 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
$17,625 MS68 CAC 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1949 Washington Quarter is a quarter from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. With a mintage of 9.3 million, this is a less common issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $92 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 #5839.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 9,312,000 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 #5839; NGC #15839
External References
Error Varieties(4)
1949 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1949 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1949 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1949 Variety WMDO-001
Other Strike Types in This Series
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