A 1944 quarter’s quality, design, shine, color, and minting location are only some of the factors that affect its value. The value of these coins can be much higher than their face value, even if most of them are not very rare. These coins have inherent value regardless of their collectibility because they are made of silver. The 1944 Washington Quarter is an investment worth making, whether you are a coin collector or just searching for a trustworthy investment.
1944 Quarter Coin Value Chart
| Condition | 1944 No Mint Mark Quarter | 1944 D Quarter | 1944 S Quarter |
| Good | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| Very Good | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| Fine | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| Very Fine | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| Extra Fine | $6.75 | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $7.25 | $7.25 | $7.25 |
| MS 60 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| MS 65 | $37.50 | $45 | $35 |
History of the 1944 Quarter Coin
The Washington Quarter first came in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. This coin designed by John Flanagan, became a huge success right on and has been in use ever since, with the unique exception of 1933.
The U.S. Mint once considered swapping out Washington’s profile for John F. Kennedy’s following his 1963 assassination The half-dollar now features Kennedy’s portrait instead of Washington’s because Jacqueline Kennedy objected to the concept of Washington being replaced on the quarter.
In 1965, the increased price of silver caused a change in the composition of Washington quarters. Since quarters were 90% silver before then, the 1944 issue belongs to a valuable coin collection called “silver quarters.”
1944 Washington Quarter Mintage Figures
| Location | Year | Mintage |
| Philadelphia | 1944 No Mint Mark Quarter | 104,956,000 |
| Denver | 1944 D Quarter | 14,600,800 |
| San Francisco | 1944 S Quarter | 12,560,000 |
| Total | 132,116,800 |
The Philadelphia Mint made the majority of 1944 quarters, marking the highest mintage for this series during its early decades. Denver and San Francisco mints produced significantly fewer coins, making their versions more valuable in certain conditions.
Features of the 1944 Washington Quarter
Obverse Design
The obverse side of the 1944 quarter has a simple yet elegant portrait of George Washington facing left. Sculptor John Flanagan captured Washington’s unique hairstyle and sharp profile, emphasizing his determined gaze. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year 1944. Flanagan’s initials, “JF,” are subtly engraved on the lower part of Washington’s neck.
Reverse Design
The reverse side of the coin shows a unique design of a bald eagle with outspread wings perched on a bundle of arrows. Beneath the eagle are olive branches, symbolizing peace, and the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.” Coins minted in Denver and San Francisco bear the “D” or “S” mint mark respectively, while Philadelphia coins lack a mint mark. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircle the eagle.
1944 Washington Quarter Specifications
| Feature | |
| Face Value: | 25 cents ($0.25) |
| Shape: | Round |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Silver Weight: | 5.623 g (0.1808 troy ounces) |
| Total Weight | 6.25 g (0.2204 troy ounces) |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm (0.95669 inches) |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm (0.06870 inches) |
| Edge | Reeded |
These specifications highlight the quarter’s high silver content, which contributes significantly to its value.
1944 Quarter Grading
Grading evaluates the coin’s condition and helps to decide the value of it. Below is a brief overview of coin grading:
- Basal State (1): It is barely identifiable.
- Fair (2): It is very worn but identifiable.
- Good (4-6): It is heavy wear with visible details.
- Very Good (7-10): Moderate wear with defined features.
- Fine (12-15): Moderate wear with more detail visible.
- Very Fine (20-30): Light wear with significant detail remaining.
- Extremely Fine (40): It has slight wear and sharp details.
- About Uncirculated (50): Barely noticeable wear.
- Mint State (60-70): No wear, flawless or nearly flawless.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can provide an accurate evaluation of your coin’s grade and value.
1944 Washington Quarter Values
1944 No Mint Mark Quarter
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 104 million quarters in 1944, making them the most common type. Circulated examples typically sell for $6 to $9. Uncirculated coins graded MS 60 to MS 67 range from $10 to $300, with an MS 68 specimen fetching up to $14,500.
The highest recorded auction price for a 1944 Philadelphia quarter was $16,800 in 2022.
1944 D Quarter
With a mintage of 14.6 million coins, Denver quarters are somewhat scarcer. Prices range from $6 in circulated grades to $12 in uncirculated conditions. MS 67 specimens can command $225 to $250, while MS 68 quarters have reached as much as $11,000 at auction.
1944 S Quarter
The San Francisco Mint made 12.56 million quarters in 1944. Circulated examples are worth $6 to $14, while uncirculated coins graded MS 65 to MS 67 can fetch $35 to $275. The highest-quality MS 68 specimens are valued between $4,750 and $9,500, with an auction record of $16,100 in 2011.
Rare 1944 Quarter Errors
Double Die Obverse (DDO) and Reverse (DDR)
Doubling errors are caused by die misalignment. These errors can be on the obverse (letters, date) or reverse (eagle and inscriptions). Depending on rarity, values range from $75 to $780, with some rare examples selling for over $18,000.
Re-Punched Mint Mark
Some 1944 D quarters have a re-punched mint mark. While subtle, these errors can increase value to around $25.
Struck on the Wrong Planchet
A few 1944 quarters were mistakenly struck on 5-cent planchets intended for Philippine coins. These errors are rare and highly valuable, often exceeding $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes the 1944 quarter valuable?
Its silver composition and potential errors increase its value than face value.
2. How can I identify a 1944 error quarter?
You can identify by looking for doubling, re-punched mint marks, or rare designs of the coin caused by striking errors.
3. Are all 1944 quarters silver?
Yes, 1944 quarters are made with 90% silver and 10% copper.
4. What is the most valuable 1944 quarter?
An MS 68 Philadelphia quarter price is $16,800 in 2022.
5. How can I grade my 1944 quarter?
You can use a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for accurate evaluation to grade the 1944 quarter.
Conclusion
The 1944 Washington Quarter‘s silver content and design make it a fascinating piece of American history with enduring worth. This coin has a lot of attraction for both investors and collectors. It is a valuable addition to any collection because of its mintage, condition, and the possibility of errors.