What’s the 1942 Washington Quarter value? Don’t judge the coin by its face value – it’s worth much more! The George Washington Quarter is just among many coins sought after by collectors, and it is one of the most recent coins to gain popularity as a collector’s item. The coins are frequently found in poor condition, making them valueless. But, in good condition, Washington quarters can fetch a good price for the numismatics.
The 1942 Washington Quarter value is $3.89 in good condition and $4.96 or more in certified (MS+) mint condition.
This article will provide you with all the insights about the 1942 Washington quarter.
About the 1942 Washington Quarter
The 1942 Washington quarter is a 25-cent coin worth one-quarter of a dollar in the United States. It measures 0.955 inches (24.26 mm) in diameter and 0.069 inches in thickness (1.75 mm). The coin’s obverse features a picture of George Washington, and the reverse structure has changed several times.
1942 Washington Quarter Summary
The 1942 Washington quarter was the first with a mintage of more than 100,000,000 coins. Perhaps this lessened the enthusiasm of era vendors and collectors to save this coin, as 1942 is a bit of a sleeper in Gem condition.
And, back in the “BU roll” times of the 1960s
and 1970s, this wasn’t exactly a standard uncirculated roll to come across. This coin is more difficult to find throughout uncirculated conditions than most other Washington quarter issues from this era. Gem examples, on the other hand, can be fully luminous and quite valuable when found.
- Name of Coin: 1942 Washington Quarter
- Series of coins: Washington quarters 1922-1964
- Portrait: George Washington bust
- Main Reverse Feature: George Washinton crossing the Delaware river
- Denomination: Philadelphia
- Pawnshop Value: $0.25
- Metal Composition: 90%silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 24.26mm
- Mass / Weight: 6.25g
- Mint: No mint
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Mintage Number:102,096,000 coins
History
Each coin cost 11.14 cents to produce in 2011. In 1992, the United States Mint resumed production of silver quarters for inclusion in the annual Silver Proof set. Before 1828, quarters were slightly more significant in size and thinner than the existing coin. The Washington quarter, with George Washington on the obverse, is the prevailing regular issue coin. John Flanagan crafted the Washington quarter. It was first issued as a circulating commemorative coin before becoming a common issue coin in 1934.
America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008 was introduced to the House of Representatives on June 4, 2008, where President Bush signed the bill into law on December 23, 2008. This coin ran for 12 years, from 2010 to 2021. After the National Parks quarter series concluded in 2021, Flanagan’s initial design was returned to the obverse, with the reverse depicting Washington crossing the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776.
Mintage
With the United States embroiled in World War II and the American economy thriving, there was an urgent need for new coinage. In response, the United States Mint produced nearly 140 million Washington quarters in 1942, with more than 100 million struck at the Philadelphia mint alone.
With the pressure for business-strike coinage growing, the US Mint would discontinue manufacturing proof coinage later in 1942, but not before issuing 21,120 proof sets. The Denver mint also struck a rare two-fold obverse quarter in 1942.
| Series | Mint numbers | Location |
| 1942 | 102,096,000 | Philadelphia |
| 1942 D | 17,487,200 | Denver |
| 1942 S | 19,384,000 | San Franciscowith wings dispersed on an arrow shaft and two olive sprays underneath the eagle; |
1942 Washington Quarter Features
The United States minted the 1942 quarter with no mintmark and the 1942 D and 1942 S quarters. When present, the mintmark can be observed on the reverse side of the coin. You can watch this Youtube video on the features of the 1942 Washington quarter coin.
Obverse
The obverse features the writing “LIBERTY” to represent freedom. There is a picture of the first president of the United States, George Washington, facing left, who served from 1789-1797. There are also the writings” IN GOD WE TRUST” to represent religion. There is also the year “1942” to show the year it was made.
Reverse
The backside was temporarily replaced. It features the portrait of an eagle, with wings dispersed on an arrow shaft and two olive sprays underneath the eagle; to honor their independence. It is a tribute to the culmination of the American Revolution. The mintmark is found at the bottom above ER for the 1942 D and 1942 S quarters.
Metal
The 1942 Washington quarter is made up of 90% silver and 10% copper. The total weight of the coin is 6.25 grams with a thickness of 1.75mm and a diameter of 24.26mm.
The 1942 Washington Quarter Value
The face value of the 1942 Washington quarter is $0.25.The present silver melt value for a 1942 No mint Washington quarter is $4.21, based on the current silver spot price of $23.38 per ounce. However, this value is dynamic.In poor condition, this coin is worth $0.79 more than its intrinsic value from silver content of $4.21, making it more valuable to a collector than a silver buyer does.
The 1942 Washington quarter Value Table
| Condition/Coin Variety | 1942 | 1942 D | 1942 S |
| Good | $3.39 | $3.89 | $3.89 |
| Fine | $3.89 | $3.89 | $3.89 |
| Extremely Fine | $3.89 | $4.65 | $6.55 |
| Uncirculated | $4.96 | $15 | $32 |
Coins that are more valuable to collectors may be the best long investment. Even if metal prices fall, you will still have a coin that a numismatist would be interested in purchasing. As a rough approximation, this coin in average condition is worth around $3.89 as of 0ctober 18, 2021, while one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could fetch up to $37 at auction.
1942 Quarter Valuation
In many cases, an individual who wishes to learn more about the condition of a particular coin will send it down immediately for grading because we understand that not everyone has the money or time to send their coins away for grading. We have provided an overview of the various coin grades and their associated characteristics below.
Uncirculated: An 1942 Washington quarter in the uncirculated coin has consumed no time exchanging hands and instead has been kept safe for its entire life. Because of this preservation, such coins appear to be ideal and as if they were just minted. Uncirculated Washington Quarters are, hands down, the most sought after by collectors.
Extremely Fine: This condition is characterized by even but light wear. The design details are all very unique. Close inspection reveals the flatness of previously rounded details. A 1942 Washington quarter in extremely fine condition is second in demand and worth highly.
Fine: A 1942 Washington quarter with this grade has been circulated for a reasonable amount of time. Although these coins had been in circulation for many years, they escaped most major damage during that time. Though some of the imagery and writings will have faded, the coin will appear in good condition for its age.
Good: If the coin you have is scaled good, it will be in fairly poor condition. Overall, the coin will have a lot of damage, such as scratching, chipping, and other blemishes. The coin will value less than different grades. A 1942 Washington quarter will cost less than the primary grades.
Double error
Picture showing the double error on 1942 D quarter
The 1942 D quarter has a double die error. The fault can be found on the coin’s obverse side. If the markings overlap, the coin has a double die error. In extremely fine condition, the 1942 D quarter double die error is worth around $350. For coins with a mint state 60 grade, the price in the uncirculated condition is estimated to be approximately $1,800. Uncirculated coins in the MS 65 grade can sell for around $7,000.
FAQ
1. What is the value of a 1942 Washington quarter?
The 1942 Washington Quarter is worth an average of $3.8, but one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $4.96.
2. Which 1942 Washington quarter Mintmark is the most valuable?
The most valuable series is the 1942 S quarter. In extremely fine condition, this coin is valued at around $12. For coins with an MS 60 grade, the value in the uncirculated condition is about $70. Uncirculated coins in the MS 65 grade can value around $150.
3. What is unique about the 1942 D quarter?
The 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error is a significant flaw in this series. This coin is recognized using a substantial doubling error of the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse of the coin, as well as the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Conclusion
The US mint manufactured three 1942 Washington quarters; 1942 D, 1942 S, and the 1942 Washington quarter ( all minted except the latter), all modeled by the famous craftsman John Flanagan. The face value of the 1942 Washington quarter is $0.25, while the standard value of the coin is $3.89 in an intermediate state and $4.96 in a certified mint state.
A well-kept coin will value more than a poorly-kept coin. The type of coin also matters because the 1942 D is rare and in high demand, making it valuable. If you have more questions about the 1942 Washington quarter value, ask us!
