What price can you expect to get in your pocket if you purchase a 1945 quarter? See if your collection is worth selling, or use this guide to accurately determine how much money you can save by owning coins like this.
Are you curious about the value of your 1945 quarter? If so, you’re not alone – many collectors and hobbyists are eager to know what their coins are worth. While the 1945 quarter is commonplace in today’s market, some have particular value due to their rarity or condition.
Let’s discuss the value of your 1945 quarter and its worth. You can also learn more about your coin's history and discover why some quarters from that year are considered more valuable than others. Read on to get started.
The 1945 Washington Silver Quarter History
The first silver Washington quarter was struck in 1932 and remained in production until 1964. In 1965, the U.S. Mint began striking the coin in copper-nickel clad composition. Dimes and quarters minted from 1932 to 1964 are made of 90% silver, and 10% copper and are therefore called “silver coins.” The current clad composition quarters contain 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
The obverse (heads) side of the coin features a profile portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The word “Liberty” is inscribed above the portrait, while the issue date is below it.
The coin's reverse (tails) side features an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and a cluster of arrows in its talons. Above the eagle are the inscriptions “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum,” while below it is inscribed the denomination “Quarter Dollar.”
Silver Washington quarters were minted for circulation at all three U.S. Mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) until 1955 when production at the San Francisco Mint ceased due to a lack of silver blanks.
In 1956, production at all three Mints resumed, but only Philadelphia and Denver continued striking silver quarters into 1964 when the Mint finally switched to striking clad quarters exclusively.
The Washington silver quarter, minted from 1932 to 1964, is one of American history's most iconic and widely recognized coins. During that period, these quarters were struck at all three U.S. Mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco)
1945 Silver Quarter Value Guide
A 1945 quarter is worth about $3.5 in mint condition. However, it is not only the silver value of a coin when it is melted that determines its value. Many factors determine the value of a 1945 quarter. The coin's condition, which can be affected by wear, is the most critical factor in determining its value.
If you're thinking of cashing in on your old quarters, here's a quick guide to help you determine their value:
1945 Washington Silver Quarter (No Mint Mark)
The coin has no mint mark, which means it was produced at a facility other than Philadelphia. The 1945 quarter is worth $7-$65 in decent condition. In uncirculated condition, it's worth over $5- $8.5.
If you have a Washington silver quarter and want to know its exact value, your best bet is to take it to a reputable coin dealer or appraiser for an evaluation.
An auction in 2015 saw an unmarked 1945 Washington Silver Quarter coin sell for as much as $16,450, becoming the highest valued of its kind.
1945 Washington Silver Quarter (Proof)
The Washington silver quarter was first minted in 1932 as part of the United States Mint's commemorative coin program. John Flanagan designed the coin, and its obverse (front) features a portrait of George Washington. The coin's reverse (back) includes an eagle image.
The 1945 Washington silver quarter Proof was minted in limited quantities and is more valuable than other quarters minted during that period. Proof coins are precious, as they are specially made for collectors and have never been circulated.
If you have a Washington silver quarter, it is essential to know how to determine its value. The most crucial factor is the condition of the coin. Uncirculated coins are worth more than those that have been circulated, and proof coins are worth even more. Coins damaged or cleaned will be worth less than those in good condition.
Another factor to consider is the date on the coin. Some dates are rarer than others and, therefore, more valuable. The most common date for the Washington silver quarter is 1932, but coins from 1933 and 1934 are also fairly common. Coins from 1935 are much less common, and those from 1936 are rare.
If you think you may have a valuable Washington silver quarter, it is essential to take it to a professional numismatist or coin dealer for an evaluation. They will be able to tell you how much your coin is worth based on its condition and date
1945 D Washington Silver Quarter
The D Washington silver quarter was minted in Denver hence the mint mark D at the bottom of the eagle. Values for the D Washington silver quarter vary depending on the specific variety and condition of the coin. However, all varieties of this coin are highly sought after by collectors and are therefore worth more than their face value.
The coin has a face value of $5 and is worth $14,000-$16000 in MS-68 condition. The 1945 D quarter is the most expensive in the 1945 quarter series, where it was once sold for $20400 at an auction.
1945 S Washington Silver Quarter
This coin was minted in San Francisco and had a mintage of 17,004,001 pieces. This coin has great eye appeal with its bright silver color. The coin has a nice amount of detail on both sides. No significant scratches or marks on this coin affect its value.
The S Washington silver quarter is worth more than just $5. These quarters were minted in 1945 and had a silver content of 90%. Each S Washington silver quarter contains 0.18 troy ounces of silver.
The current price of silver is $17.00 per troy ounce, so each S Washington silver quarter is worth $3.06 in silver content alone. The coin can be worth $300 in mint state 65. The coin doesn’t sell at a very high price. In 2020, the 1945 S quarter was sold for $7200.
1945 Quarter Error Value
One of the most common errors on quarters is the double punching of the mint mark. This occurs when the mint mark is accidentally stamped twice, resulting in a doubled image. Although this error is common, it does not significantly affect the coin's value.
Other errors that can occur on quarters include variations in the size or spacing of the bands on the coin and peeling or flaking of the surface. These errors are usually minor and do not have a significant impact on the value of the coin.
1945 Quarter Grading System
The Quarter Grading System is used to determine the value of a quarter. The higher the grade, the more valuable the quarter. The most common grades are Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Fine, and Good.
- Uncirculated quarters are worth more than circulated quarters. They have no wear and tear, and their designs are well-preserved.
- Extremely Fine quarters are also worth more than circulated quarters. They have very little wear, and their designs are well-preserved.
- Fine quarters have some wear, but their designs are still easily recognizable.
- Good quarters have a lot of wear, and their designs may be difficult to see. Circulated quarters with a grade of good or higher are still worth more than face value.
Is the 1945 Washington Quarter Worth Any Value?
The consensus seems that the 1945 Washington Quarter is not worth much more than its face value. This is due to a combination of factors, including a large number of quarters minted that year (over 48 million) and the fact that many were saved as keepsakes at the time.
There are exceptions, and some well-preserved coins can sell for upwards of $50. So, if you come across a 1945 Washington Quarter, it's worth taking a closer look.
Conclusion
1945 quarters are a highly sought-after coin due to their historical significance. With values ranging from $3 to over $1000, 1945 quarters can be a treasured addition to any collection. Although prices may vary depending on the coin's condition and mintmark, all 1945 quarters are worth far more than face value.
