Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby that combines history, art, and economics. One coin that continues to capture the interest of collectors is the 1947 Washington Silver Quarter. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Numismatics, understanding the value and worth of this particular coin can add significant insight to your collection. This detailed guide will delve into the various aspects of the 1947 Washington Quarter, providing you with all the information you need to determine its value and appreciate its historical significance.
What is the 1947 Washington Silver Quarter?
The 1947 Washington Silver Quarter is a 25-cent coin minted by the United States Mint. It belongs to the Washington quarter series, which features the first U.S. president, George Washington, on its obverse side. The 1947 quarter is comprised predominantly of silver (90%), making it a desirable coin for both collectors and precious metal investors.
Designed by John Flanagan, this quarter has become iconic not just for its artistry but also for its historical context. It was produced shortly after World War II. Knowing its background helps you understand why it maintains a strong value in the coin market.
What are the Mintage Figures for the 1947 Washington Quarter?
Mintage numbers provide an initial look into a coin’s availability, which in turn affects its value. For the 1947 Washington Quarter, there were three main mints involved: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mintage numbers are as follows:
- Philadelphia Mint: 22,860,000
- Denver Mint: 15,320,000
- San Francisco Mint: 5,532,000
Lower mintage numbers, such as those from the San Francisco Mint, can make a particular coin rarer and, hence, more valuable to collectors.
What are the Key Features of the 1947 Washington Silver Quarter?
Let’s break down the key features of the 1947 Washington Quarter. These features help determine the coin’s authenticity and overall value.
- Obverse Design: Features a left-facing profile of George Washington, with the word “Liberty” above and the year “1947” below.
- Reverse Design: An eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a bundle of arrows, encircled by olive branches and the inscriptions “The United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
- Composition: Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing approximately 6.25 grams.
These features not only make the coin visually appealing but also indicate its historical and monetary value.
How is the Condition of a 1947 Quarter Determined?
Condition, or grade, is a critical factor in determining the value of the 1947 Washington Silver Quarter. The coin grading scale goes from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70). Here are some common grades assessed by experts like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC):
- Good (G-4): Heavy wear; major features may be almost smooth.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate wear; major features are clear but lack finer details.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear; all details are still sharp.
- Mint State (MS-60-70): No wear; the entire design is finely detailed.
Accurate grading requires a keen eye and sometimes the use of a professional to get the most precise assessment.
What is the Value of a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter?
The market value of a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter depends on several factors, including mintage, condition, and demand. On average, you can expect the value to fall within these ranges:
- Good (G-4) Condition: Approximately $7
- Very Fine (VF-20) Condition: Around $8-$10
- Extremely Fine (EF-40) Condition: Generally $12-$15
- Mint State (MS-60-70) Condition: $20 and above, with higher grades fetching significantly more
Factors such as silver price fluctuations and collector demand can impact these values, so it’s wise to consult updated sources or dealers.
Where Can You Buy or Sell a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter?
If you’re looking to buy or sell a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter, Accurate Precious Metals is a reliable dealer that provides thorough appraisals. Note that free shipping applies only to large orders, and while they don’t currently offer storage solutions, this may change in the future.
Additionally, you can explore auction sites, coin shows, and online marketplaces to either expand your collection or sell your coins. Always verify the legitimacy of sellers and check reviews to ensure a safe transaction.
FAQs About the 1947 Washington Silver Quarter
Is the 1947 Quarter Rare?
The 1947 Washington Silver Quarter isn’t particularly rare, but coins minted in San Francisco (marked ‘S’) are rarer due to lower mintage figures. The rarity can increase significantly if the coin is in high-grade condition or has unique characteristics.
Rarity influences value; thus, rarer coins, especially in mint condition, tend to fetch higher prices in the market.
What Does the Mint Mark Mean?
The mint mark on a quarter indicates where the coin was produced. You’ll find the mint mark on the reverse side, below the eagle’s tail feathers. The three marks you’ll encounter for the 1947 quarter are:
- No Mark: Philadelphia Mint
- D: Denver Mint
- S: San Francisco Mint
Each mint’s output can affect the coin’s value and rarity.
Can You Find 1947 Washington Silver Quarters in Circulation?
Finding a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter in general circulation today is quite rare. Most of these quarters have been pulled from circulation due to their silver content and collectible value.
However, occasionally, someone might unknowingly spend an older coin, so always keep an eye out!
How Do Silver Prices Affect the Value of the 1947 Quarter?
The price of silver plays a significant role in determining the value of the 1947 Washington Quarter. When silver prices increase, the intrinsic value of the coin also rises, making it more valuable to both collectors and investors.
Always stay updated with current silver prices to understand how market trends might affect your coin’s value.
What Should You Look for When Buying a 1947 Silver Quarter?
When purchasing a 1947 Washington Silver Quarter, ensure you check for:
- Authenticity: Verify with certified dealers or get the coin graded.
- Condition: Higher grades significantly increase the coin’s value.
- Mint Mark: Coins from the San Francisco Mint often hold higher value due to lower mintage.
Buying from reputable sources like Accurate Precious Metals will ensure you get a genuine and fairly priced coin.
In Summary
- The 1947 Washington Silver Quarter is popular among collectors and investors.
- Mintage figures and mint marks significantly influence value.
- Coin condition, including the presence of wear and damage, plays a crucial role in valuation.
- Staying updated with the current price of silver helps understand the coin’s market value.
- Always purchase from reliable sources to ensure authenticity and fair pricing.
Sources
“Washington Quarter Overview – PCGS CoinFacts.“ PCGS, 2023, https://www.pcgs.com/
“The United States Mint.“ United States Mint, 2023, https://www.usmint.gov/