Last Updated on September 14, 2022
Very few people in history have left a mark as significant as George Washington so it is only fair that there are several coins with George Washington’s portrait on them. Some of these coins are quite rare and can get a good buck especially if they are in great condition.
The 1940 quarter is one of those coins that has Washington’s portrait on it. If you are looking to know more about the valuation of this coin then this guide is just for you.
How Much Is 1940 Quarter Worth?
The 1940 Quarter’s worth is around $5. However you may also be able to get in the upwards of $300 if you have one that is in MS65 Uncirculated condition.
Naturally the valuation of this coin changes with the condition of the coin. If you have one in pristine condition and you find the right buyer for it then you can even sell it for your asking price. This coin has been sold for over a $1000 at an auction. But the general value range is $5 to $350.
If you search for the coin online you will see that people are selling it for over $2000 and $3000. The fact that people are setting such a high price shows how valuable and in-demand this coin actually is.
Where Is The 1940 Quarter Minted?
The 1940 Quarter was minted at all three major mints in the United States including Denver, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Most of the 1940 Quarters were minted at Philadelphia with 35,715,246 while the Denver mint produced the least amount of 1940s Quarter i.e. 2,797,600.
Philadelphia Mint also produced 11,246 proof coins that can get you top dollar at an auction.
| Coin | Good Condition | Fine Condition | Very Fine Condition | Extremely Fine Condition | About Uncirculated | Uncirculated | Proof |
| 1940 | $5.30 | $5.30 | $5.30 | $6.48 | $7.43 | $17 – $67 | $199 |
| 1940 D | $5.30 | $8.66 | $12 | $28 | $74 | $135-$343 | N/A |
| 1940 S | $5.30 | $5.30 | $5.91 | $7.43 | $15 | $25 -$74 | N/A |
The Composition of 1940 Washington Quarter
The 1940 Washington Quarter has 90% silver and 10% copper. This is why you this coin is never use-less even if you have one in a really bad condition you can still sell it for the price of silver at that time. In addition to the condition of the coin, the silver content also adds value to the 1940 Washington Quarters.
You can see that unique silver spark in these coins if they are in good condition. The coin has a mass of about 6.25 grams.
What Are The Features Of The 1940 Washington Quarter?
There is a picture of the founding father and first president of the United States George Washington on the front side of the coin. He is facing the left side. Right under the chin of this portrait are words that you see on majority of US coins “In God We Trust”.
The year of issuance is mentioned at the bottom of the obverse. On the back side you see a bald eagle, with its wings spread on both sides. You can only see the denomination “Quarter Dollar” below the Eagle.
How Was The Engraver Chosen For The 1940 Washington Quarter?
The Treasury initially wanted to mint a commemorative half dollar coin for which the American Sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser was chosen however the treasury didn’t go ahead with the commemorative half dollar and chose to mint commemorative quarter instead.
The treasury secretary of that time then chose John Flanagan’s design for the 1940 Washington Quarter. Fraser’s design would have been great as well but Flanagan’s design has definitely made this coin memorable.
Grading Of 1940 Quarter
In good (G4) condition you can get somewhere around $5.30 for this quarter and as the grade increases so does the valuation of the coin. There isn’t a big different between the valuation of 1940 quarters that are graded from good to “About Uncirculated”.
Both grades MS65 and MS60 of uncirculated coins can fetch you a good buck for your 1940 quarter. However if you are looking to hit the jackpot then you have to go on a very difficult search for 1940 Quarter that has a PR65 grade. These coins are considered the Holy Grail in terms of coin collection. Die hard collectors may even be willing to pay thousands of dollars for such a coin.
