The Washington Quarter is undoubtedly one of the most famous American coinage pieces, and it is still on the US Mint production lines today. How this coin minting began in 1932, approaching its 100th anniversary, collectors’ interest in early editions is growing.
You can observe the 1937 quarter value from different aspects. Since it is an 85-year-old coin, its condition primarily affects the market value, but the mint mark also plays a significant role. This piece’s historical significance is something you should not forget, nor its silver value.
1937 Washington Silver Quarter History
The Washington quarter occurred while America struggled with the economic consequences after Great Depression. Although there was no need to mint new quarters, the US Mint decided to mark the 200th George Washington’s birth anniversary.
1937 Washington silver quarter |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1937 | 19,696,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1937 proof | 5,542 |
| San Francisco | 1937 S | 1,652,000 |
| Denver | 1937 D | 7,189,600 |
| Total | / | 28,543,142 |
The conceptual solution chosen for this piece was the work of John Flanagan. He was a sculptor primarily known for designing commemorative medals, coins, and numerous famous statues and plaques.
This sculptor based his design on a bust made by Jean-Antoine Houdon and created both Washington quarter’s obverse and reverse. You can spot his initials on the obverse, below the former US President’s neck.
1937 Washington silver quarter |
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| Face value | 25 cents ($0.25) |
| Coin diameter | 0.95669 inches (24.3 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.06889 inches (1.75 mm) |
| Compound | 90% silver and 10% copper |
| Coin weight | 0.20094 ounces (6.25 g) |
| Coin silver weight | 0.18084 troy ounces (5.62 g) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
The obverse design shows a left-facing Washington profile with the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST in front. Above the profile is the word LIBERTY, while the minting year is below it, along the lower coin rim.
The American bald eagle with widely extended wings stays above the olive branches on the coin reverse. Above its head are the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The denomination QUARTER DOLLARS is on the lower rim.
1937 Washington Silver Quarter Types
Even though three mints minted a Washington quarter that year, the circulation of 28,543,142 specimens is not particularly significant.
1937 Washington silver quarter
The Philadelphia mint struck 19,696,000 Washington quarters without the mint mark, which was common practice at that time. It was the second smallest circulation since this coin first appeared in 1932.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Quality | 1937 | 1937 S | 1937 D | 1937 D/D |
| Good | $6.5 | $9.9 | $6.5 | $258 |
| Very good | $6.5 | $15 | $6.5 | $345 |
| Fine | $6.5 | $25 | $8.6 | $373 |
| Very fine | $6.5 | $30 | $11.1 | $560 |
| Extra fine | $7.7 | $41 | $15 | $786 |
| AU | $12 | $109 | $36 | $1,715 |
| MS 60 | $30 | $171 | $81 | $2,815 |
| MS 65 | $104 | $456 | $171 | $13,577 |
| PR 65 | $560 | / | / | / |
*by USA Coin book
Nowadays, you can find this quarter in poor condition for less than $6 on the coin market. Pieces in the mint state often reach $30 to $500, while the 1937 MS 68 Washington quarter typically costs $10,600.
1937 proof Washington quarter
The Philadelphia mint first minted the proof Washington quarter in 1936, so this was these coins’ second mintage. Only 5,542 pieces were struck that year, making it the second-smallest proof quarter mintage ever.
Each of them is valuable, and you need to spend at least $425 for a specimen with a PR 65 rating.
1937 S Washington silver quarter
Quarters minted in the San Francisco mint have the S mark on the reverse. That year, this mint produced 1,652,000 coins, the lowest circulation of all three mints.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Coin | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1937 | $3.5 to $3.7 | $3.7 to $4 | $5 to $5.2 | $17+ |
| 1937 S | $3.5 to $3.7 | $6 to $6.25 | $20 to $22 | $125+ |
| 1937 D | $3.5 to $3.7 | $3.7 to $4 | $10 to $12 | $40+ |
*by Coinflation
If you expect the 1937 S quarter to be worth more because of this, you will be surprised. In most cases, you can get less than $5 for a piece in low grade.
On the other hand, specimens in uncirculated conditions are worth more. For instance, the 1937 MS 60 Washington quarter typically costs $130, while the piece in an MS 67 grade can reach $3,120 on the coin market.
1937 D Washington silver quarter
The third mint to mint the Washington quarter that year was Denver, with 7,189,600 specimens. These pieces’ availability on the coin market is significant, so they never reach high prices.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Quality | 1937 | 1937 S | 1937 D |
| Good | $4.5 | / | $3.7 |
| Very good | $4.5 | $5.7 | $4.6 |
| Fine | $4.7 | $9.5 | $5.4 |
| Very fine | $6.4 | $20 | $7.6 |
*by Numista
On average, their value varies from $6 for a coin in poor condition to $55 for a piece in high grade. Quarters in the mint state are typically worth $3,120.
1937 Washington Silver Quarter Variations and Rarities
In 1937, several double die error coins appeared among the Washington quarters minted in Philadelphia. This error is on the coin obverse, and you can see it in the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Quality | 1937 | 1937 S | 1937 D | 1937 DDO |
| Good | $5.7 to $9.3 | $4.76 to $6.4 | $5.7 to $9.3 | $100 to $195 |
| Very good | $6 to $9.7 | $4.76 to $6.4 | $6 to $9.7 | $140 to $239 |
| Fine | $6.5 to $11.3 | $8 to $14.8 | $6.5 to $11.3 | $175 to $336 |
| Very fine | $8 to $19.4 | $14 to $35.6 | $9 to $24.3 | $275 to $561 |
| Extra fine | $15 to $29.2 | $25 to $65 | $17 to $32.4 | $385 to $598 |
| AU | $22 to $45.4 | $70 to $148 | $24 to $52 | $600 to $1,720 |
| MS 60 | $30 to $48.6 | $130 to $203 | $55 to $89 | $1,500 to $2,160 |
| MS 61 | $30 to $48.6 | $140 to $218 | $57 to $92 | $1,600 to $2,300 |
| MS 62 | $31 to $50 | $160 to $239 | $60 to $97 | $1,750 to $2,520 |
| MS 63 | $32 to $52 | $195 to $292 | $65 to $108 | $2,250 to $3,230 |
| MS 64 | $35 to $81 | $215 to $321 | $80 to $128 | $3,500 to $5,030 |
| MS 65 | $80 to $128 | $280 to $403 | $100 to $156 | $6,000 to $15,600 |
| MS 66 | $125 to $195 | $375 to $566 | $210 to $338 | $18,500 to $26,400 |
| MS 67 | $350 to $520 | $1,600 to $3,120 | $550 to $1,020 | / |
| MS 68 | $6,500 to $10,600 | / | / | / |
*by Greysheet
No one knows the exact number of these error pieces, but they are relatively scarce, making their value high. Even specimens in poor condition are worth about $100. If you have this coin in the mint state, you can earn $1,500 to $26,500.
1937 Washington Silver Quarter Grading
When it comes to old coins, every collector wants to check their condition first. You have two options for this activity, to hire a professional company or do the estimation yourself.
If you want to hire professionals, PCGS and NGC offer the best service in the US. Otherwise, you can do the assessment yourself by following specific guidelines.
Uncirculated – The uncirculated quarter still has the perfect shine and pristine look. This piece never spent a day on the market, so the relief details are exceptionally well-preserved and sharp. For instance, you can see defined waves on Washington’s hair without any signs of flatness typical for circulated coins.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1937 | $4 | $4 | $4.9 | $27 |
| 1937 S | $4 | $4 | $22 | $110 |
| 1937 D | $4 | $4 | $16 | $62 |
*by CoinStudy
Extra fine – This coin was on the market for a short time, so there are slight signs of wear on its surface. You can often see these changes only after a detailed review with a magnifying glass. The first imperfections become visible on Washington’s hair and cheeks as a slight fusion of curls and reduced cheek roundness.
Fine – Signs of wear are clearly visible on this quarter’s surface. They are the result of a long hand-to-hand circulation period. You can notice the flattened areas of Washington’s hair and cheek and the eagle’s chest on the coin’s relief. However, the inscriptions and the minting date are still legible.
1937 Washington silver quarter value* |
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| Quality | 1937 | 1937 S | 1937 D |
| Very good | $8.3 | $8.5 | $8.3 |
| Fine | $9 | $13.3 | $9 |
| Very fine | $10.5 | $19 | $10.5 |
| Extra fine | $20 | $34.2 | $17.1 |
| Uncirculated | $23.7 | $155 | $67 |
| Brilliant uncirculated | $105 | $405 | $145 |
*by Hobbizine
Good – It is the worst rating that a quarter can get after a long period in circulation. Therefore, you can expect to see numerous scratches and even cracks on the surface. The relief details are smooth, but the main design parts can still differ. The inscriptions and the minting year are barely legible.
Summary
Several factors can affect the 1937 Washington quarter price. First of all, this is a coin that is not only a collector’s item but should also pay attention to its value in silver. On the other hand, the mint mark and condition assessment significantly affect its value.
