The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is a special coin that marked a transitional moment for U.S. quarters. It was introduced in 2021 as a one-year coin, filling the gap between two significant quarter programs—America the Beautiful Quarters and American Women Quarters.
This coin holds historical and collector value, as it commemorates George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. Let’s dive into its design, market value, and why it’s popular among collectors today.
History and Significance
The design of this coin was revealed on Christmas Day in 2020, precisely 244 years after George Washington’s brave crossing of the Delaware River in 1776. This pivotal event helped the Continental Army gain an important victory during the American Revolutionary War.
The coin’s release served as a bridge between the end of the America the Beautiful series, which celebrated national parks, and the introduction of the American Women Quarter series in 2022.
The reverse of this coin—designed by Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso—captures Washington heroically leading his troops across the frozen river, sword in hand.
The obverse features John Flanagan’s iconic portrait of George Washington, which had been slightly modified and resized for earlier coin programs.
Mintage and Availability
The 2021-D quarter was minted in Denver, producing over one billion coins for circulation. This high mintage means it’s relatively easy to find these coins in mint condition, making them less rare compared to older or limited-mintage coins. Collectors can often find these coins online or at local coin dealers without much difficulty.
The Philadelphia Mint also produced a version of this coin, but the Denver issue had a larger output by about 170 million pieces, making the Denver-minted coins slightly more common.
Design Elements
Obverse (Front):
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Features a left-facing portrait of George Washington.
- Around the rim, you’ll see the words “LIBERTY” at the top and “2021” at the bottom, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Washington’s face.
- The “D” mintmark is located at the back of Washington’s ponytail, signifying it was minted in Denver.
Reverse (Back):
- Designers: Benjamin Sowards (design) and Michael Gaudioso (sculpt)
- Depicts General Washington standing in a boat, sword drawn, leading his troops through the freezing Delaware River.
- The reverse includes inscriptions like “CROSSING THE DELAWARE”, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of many, one”), and “QUARTER DOLLAR”.
Edge:
- The edge is reeded, as is common with most quarters.
Market Value
Given its high mintage and availability, the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter isn’t typically seen as a high-value collector’s item unless it’s in exceptional condition or part of a special set.
For collectors interested in higher-quality versions, coins graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC tend to hold more value.
As of September 2024, the highest-grade examples of this coin, such as MS69 (Mint State 69), have sold for as much as $400 on platforms like eBay.
However, more common grades, like MS66 or MS65, often sell for between $2 and $30, depending on their condition. Raw, ungraded coins usually fetch around $1 to $2, reflecting their easy availability.
Notable Sales and Graded Coins
Some specific sales of graded coins include:
- NGC MS69 sold for $400 in August 2024.
- PCGS MS67 sold for $40 on the same platform.
- NGC MS66 coins typically sell for about $30, while lower grades like PCGS MS65 can sell for as little as $2.25.
These price variations show that while the coin is common, its condition significantly impacts its value. Higher-grade coins with first-day issue labels or other special designations can command higher prices.
Why Collectors Like It
Collectors are drawn to this coin for its historical importance. The design honors one of the most famous moments in American history, making it a great addition to any collection focusing on U.S. history or military themes. The one-year design also adds an element of exclusivity, even if the coin itself is not particularly rare.
The fact that it bridges two major coin series adds to its appeal. It serves as a bookend to the America the Beautiful Quarters program and a precursor to the new American Women Quarters, making it a unique collectible from a transitional period in U.S. minting.
Final Thoughts
The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter may not be the most valuable coin for everyday collectors, but its historical significance and one-year-only design make it an interesting and accessible coin to own.
Whether you’re a casual collector or a more serious numismatist, this coin adds a piece of American history to your collection.
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.