Like most wartime coins, the 1941 quarter makes an excellent addition to any American coinage collection.
It’s arguably one of the most popular and heavily collected coins, especially those in high grade. This could be because it marks the entry into World War II. Its unique silver composition also makes it irresistible to collectors.
Typically, a circulated 1941 quarter can be worth around $3-$5 in Good Condition. However, pieces in mint state can sell for $15 – $20.
As we move up the grading scale to MS65, the value of this coin increases exponentially. Examples might sell anywhere from $50 to $70. However, high-quality, pristine samples can fetch as much as $28,750.
In the most recent auction records, a 1941-S and 1941-D coin sold for $360 and $504, respectively.
Do you want to learn more about this classic American quarter dollar?
Well, join us below, and let’s explore the coin’s history, design details, and value.
Background Information About The 1941 Quarter
For the rest of the world, World War II began in 1939. However, the U.S. wouldn’t join the war until later in 1941. Before this, they mainly supported their allies by providing them with supplies.
But when they eventually decided to join the war, the demand for coins increased. This resulted in the U.S. Mint ramping up its production of wartime coins.
One such coin is the 1941 Silver Quarter. This coin became the first in the Washington Quarter series to enjoy a mintage volume of over 100 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the mintage of the 1941 quarter:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
| 1941-P | Philadelphia | 79,032,000 |
| 1941-D | Denver | 16,714,800 |
| 1941-S | San Francisco | 16,080,000 |
| 1941-P Proof | Philadelphia | 15,287 |
| Total | 111,842,087 |
What Are the Features of the 1941 Quarter?
The 1941 Washington Quarter shows President George Washington facing left on the front. The image was based on a bust created by Jean-Antoine in 1785.
Above Washington’s head, the designer of the coin, John Flanagan, included the word “LIBERTY” in capitalized font. This inscription pays tribute to one of the founding principles of American Democracy.
The motto “In GOD WE TRUST” appears beneath Washington’s chin, right next to his Adam’s apple. This motto implies that the nation’s values are based on a belief in the Almighty.
The obverse also includes the production date, 1941, just below the portrait.
Shifting to the reverse side, you will notice a bald eagle with its wings outstretched. The bird holds a clutch of arrows, symbolizing America’s ability to defend itself.
Just below the arrows, you can see two olive branches that represent the nation’s desire for peace.
To complete the design, the designer included several inscriptions, such as
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”–it arches along the top rim above the eagle
- The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”–appears in a straight line beneath the bird
- “QUARTER DOLLAR” – forms a straight line at the bottom
Additional Details
- Name of Coin: 1941 Washington Quarter
- Category: Washington Quarters (1932-1964)
- Mint: Denver, Philadelphia, San Fransisco
- Mintage: 111,842,087
- Obverse and Reverse Design: John Flanagan
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Fineness: 0.9
- Face Value: $0.25
1941 Quarter Value Guide
Because of the high production volume, the 1941 quarters are fairly common. However, this doesn’t make them less valuable than their predecessors.
In fact, some items can be worth much more than their original price, regardless of their condition. These usually include varieties with unique errors, but more on that later.
For now, here’s a value chart of the 1941 quarter based on current market prices.
| 1941 Washington Quarter Value Chart | |||||
| Mint Mark | Condition | ||||
| Circulated | Uncirculated | MS60–MS65 | MS66–MS68 | Proof 65 | |
| 1941 “No mint mark” Quarter | $4 – $5 | $5 – $6 | $10 – $40 | $75 – $9,000 | $120+ |
| 1941 “D” Quarter | $8 – $20 | $22-$30 | $35-$70 | $85-$15,000 | N/A |
| 1941 “S” Quarter | $8-$15 | $17-$25 | $30-$60 | $80-$10,500 | N/A |
1941 P “No Mint Mark” Quarter Value
In 1941, the Philadelphia Mint made twice as many silver quarters because people wanted more coins. So, it’s no surprise that production from this minting facility accounts for 71% of the total mintage of 1941 quarters.
Unlike their counterparts from the mints, the issues from Philadelphia have no mint mark. They are also common and many examples exist through MS65. However, in MS67 and MS68, these coins become scarce, with survivors fetching thousands of dollars.
In general, expect a 1941 “no mint mark” quarter to sell anywhere from $4 to $6.50 in circulated condition. An uncirculated piece with strong details and luster demands around $55 to $129. However, specimens graded at MS68 can bring as much as $10,800.
Below, we’ve listed a few of these coins that sold for impressive prices.
| Grade | Price | Auction Firm | Date |
| MS67+ | $240 | Heritage Auctions | Jul-2023 |
| MS67+ | $764 | Legend Rare Coin Auctions | May-2023 |
| MS67 | $216 | Stack’s Bowers | Apr-2023 |
| MS67 | $264 | Heritage Auctions | Feb-2023 |
1941 D Quarter Value
Since the 1930s, the Denver mint has produced well-struck coins among all mints, and the 1941 issue is no exception.
Though the mint produced over 16.5 million quarters, approximately 10% of this survive today. You can identify these quarters with their “D” mint mark below the two olive branches on the reverse side of the coin.
On average, a 1941-D quarter in circulated condition is valued at around $8 to $20. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth $30 or more. Coins with higher grades–MS65, MS66, or MS68–often fetch slightly higher premiums.
For instance, in March 2021, a 1941-D Washington quarter with grade MS68 sold for $10,200.
Take a look at other 1941-D quarter prices below:
| Grade | Price | Auction Firm | Date |
| MS67 | $504 | Heritage Auctions | Jun-2023 |
| MS65 | $175 | David Lawrence RC | Apr-2023 |
| MS67 | $408 | Heritage Auctions | Apr-2023 |
| MS67 | $1020 | Heritage Auctions | Feb-2023 |
1941 S Quarter Value
If you come across a 1941 quarter bearing an “S” mint mark on the reverse side, it’s from the San Francisco mint.
This center struck about 16 million quarters in 1941. That’s almost twice the number it struck in 1940. Sadly, only about 1.6 million of these coins are around today.
The 1941-S, though common, had the rarest regular strike of all the coins struck in 1941. The mint used three different mint mark punches during production.
Most 1941-S Washington quarters feature the small “S” mint mark, but some percentages include the large “S” mint mark.
Like their Denver cousins, the 1941-S quarters demand a high price in circulated and uncirculated conditions. In the former state, the coin fetches upwards of $15, while in the latter state, it can cost up to $312.
In May 2022, a 1941-S graded MS67+ sold for $1860, while in November of the previous year, another with the same grade sold for $1920.
Some other expensive 1941-S quarters include:
| Grade | Price | Auction Firm | Date |
| MS67 | $312 | Stack’s Bowers | Jun-2023 |
| MS67 | $360 | Heritage Auctions | May-2023 |
| MS66+ | $104 | Heritage Auctions | Sep-2022 |
| MS68 | $28,750 | David Lawrence RC | Aug-2022 |
1941 P Proof Quarter Value
These coins were specifically for archives and quality control. However, the mints began selling them to collectors. They were produced using special planchets, and as a result, these coins were extremely shiny.
In 1941, the Philadelphia Mint struck all the proof quarters, so they have no mint mark. Out of the 15,000 proof coins struck, about 12,000 survived to date.
Although they’re rare and in great condition compared to the other 1941 models, they don’t fetch a high price in the market.
Some proof strike quarters are worth less than regular strike quarters. This is because they were meant for collectors and thus maintained from the beginning.
The most expensive proof quarter-graded PR68 sold for $15,863.
| Grade | Price | Auction Firm | Date |
| PR65 | $240 | Heritage Auctions | Jun-2023 |
| PR68 | $1560 | Heritage Auctions | May-2023 |
| PR67 | $264 | Stack’s Bowers | Apr-2023 |
| PR67 | $360 | Stack’s Bowers | Mar-2023 |
1941 Quarter Rare Errors
In this section, we will highlight some of the rare and valuable errors for the 1941 quarter.
1941 Quarter Broadstruck and 38% Clipped Planchet Error
This amazing coin graded at MS68 by PCGS exhibits two types of rare errors: Broadstruck and Clipped Planchet.
A broadstruck error happens when a quarter is struck without a retaining collar. The causes the coin to flatten or stretch.
On the other hand, a clipped planchet error implies that a section of the coin is missing due accidental cut of the planchet before striking.
Washington quarters with double errors are rare and desirable. That’s why this example fetched approximately $1,057 in 2013 at heritage auctions.
1941 Washington Quarter Double Die Obverse (DDO) Error
Another error you should keep an eye for is the double dies obverse error. While the error is relatively common in the Washington Quarter series, only a few have been found within the 1941 issue.
As the name suggests, coins with these errors display the doubling of design elements on the obverse side. More specifically, on the number, words, and images.
Also, be on the lookout for 1941 quarters with double die reverse error, especially in the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
Double-die obverse and double-die reverse error coins do not have great value. Expect to get or spend a few dollars on them.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the 1941 quarter is one of the most popular U.S. coins for collectors and enthusiasts to collect.
Sure, it’s part of the classic Washington Quarter series. But it also represents a significant transitional period in American history.
While the 1941 silver quarters remain plentiful in average circulated grades, the series is rewarding to collect and study.
And the best part?
These coins still provide excellent value seven decades down the line.
