The 1953 Washington Quarter is a piece of history that’s over 70 years old and has become a collectible for coin enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about its composition, varieties, and current value.
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What is the 1953 Washington Quarter Made Of?
The 1953 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a unique weight of 6.25 grams. Its diameter measures 24.3 millimeters, and it has a reeded edge. The silver content in this coin makes it more valuable than its face value of 25 cents.
Originally, the Washington quarter was supposed to be a one-time commemorative coin in 1932, celebrating the 200th birthday of George Washington. However, its popularity led the U.S. Mint to adopt it as the official design from 1934 onward.
The Design of the 1953 Washington Quarter
The 1953 quarter features the iconic image of George Washington, the first U.S. president, on its obverse. Key inscriptions include:
- LIBERTY – Symbolizing American freedom
- IN GOD WE TRUST – The U.S. motto
- 1953 – The year of minting
On the reverse side, you’ll find:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM – Latin for “Out of many, one”
- Quarter Dollar – The coin’s value
- Eagle with arrows – Representing strength and readiness for war
- Olive branch – A symbol of peace
The design was created by John Flanagan, though initially, a design by Laura Gardin Fraser was preferred by the bicentennial committee. Ultimately, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon selected Flanagan’s design.
1953 Washington Quarter Varieties
There are three main varieties of the 1953 quarter, distinguished by their mint marks and locations. Here’s a breakdown:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 D Washington Quarter | Denver | 56,112,400 |
| 1953 S Washington Quarter | San Francisco | 14,016,000 |
| 1953 P Washington Quarter | Philadelphia | 18,536,120 |
- 1953 D Quarter (Denver): The Denver Mint produced the most 1953 quarters. Coins from this mint are plentiful but hard to find in high grades.
- 1953 S Quarter (San Francisco): San Francisco produced fewer quarters, making high-grade versions of these easier to find.
- 1953 P Quarter (Philadelphia): Philadelphia Mint coins are often less detailed due to worn-out dies, making sharp strikes rare and valuable.
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Common Errors in the 1953 Washington Quarter
Error coins are always interesting to collectors. The 1953 Washington Quarter has some notable errors:
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): Caused by double punching of the mint mark, resulting in a blurry or doubled appearance.
- Clipped Planchet: Occurs when the blank metal sheet is misaligned during cutting.
- Doubled Die: This happens when the die strikes the coin twice, creating a doubling effect on the design.
How Much is the 1953 Washington Quarter Worth Today?
While the face value of the 1953 quarter is 25 cents, its silver content gives it a melt value of around $4 to $7, depending on the market. The value can increase significantly based on condition and grade. Some high-grade coins have sold for thousands at auction.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1953 Washington Quarter
You can find 1953 Washington quarters online through platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. Local coin shops, antique stores, and auctions are also great places to search for or sell this valuable coin.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.