Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: George Washington portrait.
Reverse: Program-specific reverse design for the year and issue.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1932-1964 Washington Quarter
The original Washington quarter type was struck in 90% silver from 1932 through 1964, with a heraldic eagle reverse by John Flanagan.
Washington Quarter history
The Washington quarter was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. John Flanagan’s portrait was selected for the obverse, while the original reverse showed an eagle perched above a bundle of arrows and olive branches. The series began as a 90% silver coin and changed to copper-nickel clad in 1965. Since 1999, the Washington obverse has been paired with numerous rotating reverse programs, making the quarter one of the most frequently redesigned modern U.S. denominations.