1932 Washington Quarter: The Birth of a Classic Coin

Have you ever wondered about the origins of one of the most iconic coins in American history? A long time ago, in 1932, there was released a quarter that was meant to celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington with a design that would remain virtually unchanged for decades. 

What does this instance look like? What might its history hide, and how to check coin value accurately? Explore our material and get more proficient with each article you read. 

The Creation of the Washington Series

In 1932, the US Mint decided that it would be a great idea to release a coin commemorating the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, and it paid off. The depute of the design was so successful that it became an iconic symbol of American coinage. The Standing Liberty Quarter, which had been in circulation since 1916, was replaced with a new yet traditionally arranged pattern honoring the nation's founding figures and their contributions.

So as to select a new design, the US Treasury organized a competition, and sculptor John Flanagan came up with the winning concept. Flanagan's consisted in the depiction of Washington's well-known profile in a traditional, regal way. In Flanagan's design, the year "1932" and the Latin words "Liberty" were displayed on the obverse beside a full-facing picture of Washington. The reverse, on its part, featured an eagle with its wings spread wide.

Originally supposed to be a short-term issue, the design's popularity and success among the general public guaranteed that it would continue to be produced for many years. The design of the 1932 Washington Quarter, the first in the series, established the standard for subsequent coinage years and became a symbol of American history and values. 

Features and Characteristics of the 1932 Washington Quarter

The 1932 Washington Quarter set a standard for both its upcoming iterations and other coins to adapt. The numismatic creation, which featured an eagle on the reverse and an image of George Washington on the obverse, was designed to pay tribute to Washington's legacy in a sophisticated and symbolic manner. Here is what one should know about it. 

The 1932 Washington Quarter is notable for its historical significance and fine details despite its simple form. It managed to become an emblem of American numismatics which is highly valuable not only financially but aesthetically, too.  

Mintage and Rarity Overview

As the first coin in the series, it may boast relatively low production numbers and consequent historical significance. Its mintage was split across three US Mint sites, i.e., Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, yet collectors are particularly interested in the rare instances from Denver and San Francisco. Anyway, how many pieces were produced by each Mint? 

• Philadelphia Mint: 5,404,000 (easy to find, especially in circulated grades);

• Denver Mint: 436,800 (one of the lowest mintages in the Washington Quarter series);

• San Francisco Mint: 408,000 (rare, in higher grades in particular).

Both the 1932-D and 1932-S instances are considered worthy because of their reputation and allure. Since many of these coins were widely circulated during the Great Depression, collectors may fail to locate these in perfect condition. This is why the 1932 Washington quarter value has always been high.

By the way, however professional and reputable the Mint may be, all of them are not immune to making mistakes. Among the most prominent instances are doubled die errors, die cracks, and off-center strikes. Even though they are rare, collectors appreciate these deviations, which, depending on their visibility and condition, can greatly raise the value for good.

The Value of the 1932 Quarter

The 1932 Washington quarter good/fine value may vary, though it is still consistent throughout the years. 

• Philadelphia-minted coins are typically more accessible and affordable, with prices ranging from $11 to $9000 in certified circulated grades and significantly higher in uncirculated conditions. 

• Quarters with the “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mintmarks respectively are much rarer and can command even higher prices. As stated by the PCGS price reports, an uncirculated 1932 D Washington Quarter value or that of a 1932-S creation may be equal to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on its grade and appeal.

How to Check Coin Value with Apps

Imagine you have stumbled upon this quarter, what would you do? Check the coin value, for sure. Nevertheless, it may be hard to determine how much your coin cost on the spot. The best way so far is to employ digital tools available on your smartphone in an instant. Instruments like Coin ID Scanner are made to help coin collectors assess their assets in a quick yet precise manner.

So as to identify your coin, apps rely on innovative picture recognition technology. Just take a picture of the coin and get details on its year, mintmark, and design. As a result, you may also explore current market worth (including the value of 1932 D Washington quarter), price history, and predictions, too. Do not hesitate to interact with the community – it is always there to help! Try now and make your collection thrive.

Ready to reveal the world of real numismatics? Start exploring, researching, and building your collection with an understanding of what you need –  each coin holds a story waiting to be discovered and it should not be forgotten!

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1932-25c/5790 

2. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/quarters/washington-quarters-1932-1998/15790/1932-25c-ms/