1961 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
$9,775 MS67 11-07-2003 Heritage Auctions
Description
Part of the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series, the 1961 Washington Quarter is a quarter from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 37.0 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. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $30 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 #5870.
Rarity Notes
Mintage of 37,036,000 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 #5870; NGC #15870
External References
Error Varieties(7)
1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010
1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-011
1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1961 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005
1961 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-006
1961 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-007
1961 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-008
Other Strike Types in This Series
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