1949 Washington Quarter

Production of the 1949 Washington quarter fell off precipitously as compared to figures for the 1948 quarters. Only 20 million pieces were made, spread rather equally across the Philadelphia and Denver mints; the San Francisco mint did not make any quarters that year, though plenty of coins representing other denominations did.

Here’s a look at the mintage figures and values for 1949 Washington quarters:

• 1949, 9,312,000 minted; $15

• 1949-D, 10,068,400; $8

*Values are for coins in a grade of Extremely Fine.

The 1949 Washington quarter struck at the Philadelphia mint is considered a semi-key coin by some collectors, and climbs in price substantially in the uncirculated grades. You’ll need to pay around $50 to $60 for a specimen in Mint State-63, and its Denver cousin is also considerably expensive, with a $40 to $50 price tag for an example in the same grade. Mint State-65 specimens can reach past $70 each and are rather difficult to find.

As is recommended when buying any high-end Washington quarters, do your best to seek flashy, crisp specimens, which you will not only be proud to own but may also perform well as an investment in the years to come.