Most Expensive Coins

1969 Washington Modern Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide

Scott Schechter
1969 Washington Modern Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide

The fact that the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter was struck during a time when American currency was changing makes it a fascinating piece for collectors and enthusiasts. In 1969, Washington quarters were made by Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints in the United States. The San Francisco Mint made only proof quarters; the Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced coins for use in general circulation. 

A 1969 quarter’s worth is mostly determined by its quality and the mint from which it came; proof and uncirculated coins can often be more valuable.

This article looks at the 1969 Washington quarter’s design, history, specifications, design, and value. We’ll look closely at the errors and variations that contribute to the rarity and value for specific of these coins.

History of the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

The Washington Quarter first came in 1932 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Famous sculptor John Flanagan won the design competition with his simple yet elegant portrait of George Washington on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Washington quarters were first made with 10% copper and 90% silver. This mixture was used until 1965 when increasing silver prices required a change to a composition containing cupronickel to discourage storage. The change was part of an overall effort to protect the country’s silver reserves.

The U.S. Mint had completely shifted to producing clad quarters by 1969. However, poor planchet quality, die wear, and imperfect establishment plagued the production process, leading to a large number of coins with errors or issues. Some of these error coins have become highly sought after by collectors today and are considered among the Most Valuable Modern Quarters. This year also marked the end of an unstable period when coin shortages brought on by hoarding of silver made it difficult for the mint to fulfill demand.

Specifications of the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

Design of the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

Obverse Design

The iconic bust of George Washington, facing left, is seen on the obverse of the 1969 Washington Quarter. From its introduction in 1932, John Flanagan’s design—which was influenced by the 1786 bust of Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon—has mostly looked the same. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed to the left, while the word “LIBERTY” appears in Washington’s head. The year “1969” shows under Washington’s image. Washington’s initials, JF, are carefully positioned under Flanagan’s neck. For collectors, a coin value checker can be useful to determine the worth of this quarter.

Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse has a heraldic eagle with its wings spread, bringing a bundle of arrows in its talons as a sign of safety and power. Two olive branches under the arrows represent peace. The eagle’s head is tilted to the left, in the direction of the arrows, to represent how prepared the nation is for battle if needed. Printed around the top border of the coin is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM”—which means “Out of many, one”—between the eagle and the national motto. The words “QUARTER DOLLAR” have been written at the bottom of the reverse side.

Rarity and Condition of the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

While the 1969 Washington quarter is not considered especially rare, the coin’s value can vary significantly depending on its condition and the mint from which it originated. Circulated examples are typically worth only their face value of 25 cents, but uncirculated specimens and proof coins can be much more valuable.

The mintage for 1969 Washington quarters is as follows:

1969 Washington Modern Quarter Errors and Varieties

Errors and varieties in the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter series can add substantial value to certain coins. Some of the most notable errors include:

Grading the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

Grading a coin has to assess its condition based on factors like wear, luster, and the presence of contact marks or scratches. The 1969 Washington Modern Quarter is commonly graded on the following scale:

The highest possible grade, MS-70, is virtually flawless, but few 1969 Washington quarters achieve this rank.

Value of the 1969 Washington Modern Quarter

The value of a 1969 Washington Quarter is based on the mintmark, condition, and whether it has any errors or varieties. Here is some values:

1969 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)

1969 D (Denver)

1969 S (San Francisco – Proof)

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Conclusion

The 1969 Washington Modern Quarter is an important coin for collectors because of its role in U.S. coinage history and the transition to a cupro nickel composition. Higher-grade uncirculated coins and proof versions can be quite expensive, while most circulated editions are only worth their face value. The attractiveness of this modern quarter is made even greater by errors and variations like doubled dies, misstruck planchets, and repunched mint markings. The 1969 Washington Quarter presents a unique combination of affordability and rarity for those looking to add a piece of American numismatic history to their collection.

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