1956 (D) 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
$8,519 MS67+ 10-31-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1956 (D) Washington Quarter is a quarter produced at the Denver Mint as part of the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series. The U.S. Mint produced 32.3 million examples, making this 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. Struck at the Denver Mint, established in 1906 from an earlier assay office that processed Colorado gold rush metal. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $42 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 #5861.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 32,334,500 pieces. Common in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples are available but high-grade gems are scarcer due to bag marks and handling during the silver era.
Cross References
PCGS #5861; NGC #15861
External References
Error Varieties(6)
1956-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1956-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1956-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1956-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1956-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
