1942 Washington Quarter

1942 Washington Quarter — 90% Silver, Wartime American Classic

The 1942 Washington Quarter is a genuine 90% silver coin struck during one of the most consequential years in American history — the first full year of U.S. involvement in World War II. Combining solid precious metal content with John Flanagan’s dignified portrait of the nation’s first president, this coin is a staple of any pre-war silver or type collection.

Coin Specifications

• Year: 1942
• Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S)
• Designer: John Flanagan
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Silver Content: 0.1808 troy oz per coin
• Weight: 6.25 grams
• Diameter: 24.3 mm

Real Silver Value

Each 1942 Washington Quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it intrinsic metal value tied directly to the silver spot price. The Washington Quarter series — struck in 90% silver from 1932 through 1964 — remains one of the most popular collecting areas in American numismatics, offering accessible silver with strong historical appeal.

John Flanagan’s Enduring Design

Introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the Washington Quarter features a left-facing portrait of the first president on the obverse, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s celebrated bust. The reverse displays a stately eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows flanked by olive branches — symbols of military readiness and the pursuit of peace.

The 1942 date carries particular historical weight, struck as America mobilized for war on a global scale. Despite the wartime production demands placed on the U.S. Mint, the Washington Quarter maintained its classic design and full silver composition throughout the conflict — a reassuring constant in uncertain times.

Ninety percent silver and nearly a century of history in the palm of your hand.