Coins

  2. Brief History of the U.S. Washington Quarter

Brief History of the U.S. Washington Quarter

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Washington Quarter  Price: $9.99

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Washington Silver Quarter  Price: $21.75

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1932 Tribute to President George Washington

A compact timeline highlighting the major design and composition changes of the U.S. Washington Quarter from 1932 to the present.


1932 Washington Quarter Introduced

Originally struck to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, the Washington quarter became the permanent design for the quarter in 1932 and remained in general circulation for decades.

Composition: 90% silver until 1964; copper-nickel clad after 1965

1965 End of circulating silver

Due to rising silver prices, the Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from quarters (90% silver ended).

Effect: Quarters became copper-nickel clad (no silver) for circulation.

1999–2008 50 State Quarters Program

A hugely popular public program that issued unique reverse designs for each U.S. state. It revived public interest in coin collecting and produced billions of collectible quarters.

Result: Massive minting & huge collecting interest.

2010–2021 America the Beautiful series

Featuring national parks and historic sites, this series continued the theme of variable reverse designs, focusing on America's natural and cultural landmarks.

Collector versions included special silver editions.

2022–Present American Women Quarters

An ongoing program honoring American women who made significant contributions to the nation. New reverse designs rotate annually and celebrate a diverse group of achievers.

Continues the modern tradition of changing reverse designs.

Notes: This timeline highlights major design & composition changes. For full details and mint-by-mint variations (errors, proof sets, and special editions), consult U.S. Mint archives or numismatic guides.

Sources: U.S. Mint historical pages, numismatic references.