Having a collection of rare and valuable coins is every numismatic dream. But how do you find such treasures in a world filled with endless piles of pocket change and ordinary coins?
That’s where we come in. We give our readers accurate and trustworthy information on unique specimens worth collecting. One such specimen is the 1944 Washington Quarter.
Being both numismatic coins and silver bullion, some 1944 quarters, especially those in mint state condition, demand an impressive price on the open market, as much as $16,800.
Recently, a 1944-S quarter with grade MS 68 fetched $2,040 at the Heritage Auction. However, only a few known examples exist in this grade.
So, what makes the 1944 Washington Quarter more intriguing than the rest of the wartime coins? Why are some coins more valuable than others?
If you want answers to these questions and more, continue reading below.
What’s the Story of the 1944 Washington Quarter?
Perhaps one of the reasons the Washington Quarters stand out is their historical significance, and the 1944 coin is no different.
In 1944, America was embroiled in WW2. During the war, the nation had to use a lot of resources, including silver, to make bullets and other war materials. In order to preserve silver, the government reduced silver content in most US coinage from 90% to 50%.
However, this was not an easy decision. Bear in mind that the US had used silver in its coins for centuries to symbolize the country’s strength and stability.
The coins affected by this reduction included dimes, dollars, and half dollars. Luckily, the 1944 quarter was spared, retaining its 90% silver content like its predecessors. Not to mention, the quarter was the most popular circulating wartime coin, and it helped to keep the economy afloat.
1944 Washington Quarter Design and Symbolism
Like its 1942 and 1943 cousins, the 1944 quarter rocks John Flanagan’s design. On the obverse, it features a portrait of George Washington based on the works of Jean-Antoine Houdon.
As for the reverse, the coin includes a bald eagle standing on a bundle of arrows with its wing spread out, symbolizing strength and power. Above its head, you can see the Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” and below an olive branch to symbolize unity and peace.
Additional Details About the 1944 Quarter
- Category: Washington Quarters (1932–1998)
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 132,116,800
- Obverse and Reverse Design: John Flanagan
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Fineness: 0.9
- Weight: 6.25g
- ASW: 0.1808oz
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Edge: Reeded
Mintage
| Minting Center | Mintage |
| Philadelphia | 104,956,000 |
| Dever | 14,600,800 |
| San Francisco | 12,560,00 |
How Much Is The 1944 Washington Quarter Worth?
The value of silver quarters depends on several factors, with the most important being condition.
In circulated conditions, 1944 quarters often display signs of wear and damage due to many years of usage. Because of this, they rarely fetch more than their face value of $0.25 unless they have a unique peculiarity.
Washington quarters that never entered circulation usually have fewer scratches and marks likely caused by improper storage. As for their value, it can vary depending on the grade. The higher the grade, the pricier the coin.
So, what is the value of 1944 quarter today?
Well, the 1944 Washington Quarter values chart below will give you more idea of the current price range of this American coin.
| 1944 Quarter Value Chart | |||
| Variety | Circulated | Uncirculated (MS60- MS66) | MS67–MS69 |
| 1944 “no mint mark” Washington Quater |
$4.45 – $9 |
$16 – $55 |
$159 – $16,800 |
| 1944 “D” Washington Quarter |
$4.45 – $15 |
$36 – $950 |
$169 – $10,575 |
| 1944 “S” Washington Quater |
$4.45 – $26 |
$50 – $75 |
$144 – $16,100 |
With that out of the way, let’s dive into the value of each variety of the 1944 Silver Quarter series.
1944 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark)
In 1994, the Philadelphia Mint struck the most numbers of 
Washington quarters. The facility produced approximately 104,956,000 coins.
These coins have no mint mark and are common through MS67. From MS68 to MS70, they are rare, and examples have full luster and strong details.
Based on the NCG Price guide, circulated 1944–no mint mark quarters in good and very good condition can cost $4.80 to $5. In extremely fine condition, their value increases to around $6.50 or $10.
But most collectors rarely look for circulated pieces, instead, they focus their attention on finding Gem and Super Gem pieces. These can sell for thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
For instance, in November 2021, a 1944 Washington Quarter graded at MS68 by PCGS sold for $9,600 at Heritage Auctions. But the most recent sell recorded was for a 1944 25-cent with MS68 grade, which fetched $4,440 in December 2022.
In this table, we’ve highlighted other examples, so check them out.
| Grade | Price | Firm | Date |
| MS65 | $100 | David Lawrence RC | Dec-2022 |
| MS67 | $372 | Heritage Auctions | May-2022 |
| MS67+ | $504 | Heritage Auctions | May-2022 |
| MS68 | $9,601 | Heritage Auctions | May-2022 |
| MS68 | $3,840 | Heritage Auctions | Feb-2022 |
1944 D Washington Quarter
The 1944-D quarters stand out because of their unique “D” mint mark, which shows they come from the Denver Mint. However, this center struck only 14.6 million coins, a significantly lower mintage than the Philadelphia Mint.
Despite the lower mintage, examples are plentiful in Gem condition, even at MS67. Therefore, they make a good candidate for one-type coin sets.
The 1944-D silver quarters are more appealing and are often sought after by collectors for their excellent luster, especially in uncirculated conditions. This is likely because the Denver mint used fresh or moderately worn dies.
In terms of value, circulated specimens are worth between $4.65 to $7.25, whereas uncirculated pieces can cost approximately $20 to $200. But in April 2023, we saw a 1944-D with MS68 grade selling for around $2,040.
Here are a few 1944-D that fetched impressive prices at the open market:
| Grade | Price | Firm | Date |
| MS 67 | $216 | Stack’s Bowers | Mar-2023 |
| MS67 | $375 | David Lawrence RC | Apr-2022 |
| MS67+ | $990 | Heritage Auctions | Mar-2022 |
| MS67+ | $612 | Heritage Auctions | Mar-2022 |
| MS68 | $3,840 | Heritage Auctions | Feb-2022 |
| MS68 | $10,575 | Heritage Auctions | Aug-2015 |
1944 S Washington Quarter
Research shows that the San Francisco Mint struck 12,560,00 silver quarter in 1944. This mintage was significantly less compared to those of 1943 and 1945.
Fortunately, most pieces were well-struck and fully lustrous, like many S-Mint coins of the decade. Of course, some pieces struck with worn dies show blurred details and heavy erosion lines.
The 1944-S quarters are fairly common through MS67, but in MS68 they become scarce, with only a few survivors identified.
Typically, a circulated 1944-S quarter is worth around $4 to $7, depending on its condition. As you move a few grades up, uncirculated coins can demand as much as $300.
The most valuable 1944-S coins are those in mint state. For example, a 1944-S graded at MS $900 recently sold for $900 at Stack’s Bowers.
Other examples include:
| Grade | Price | Firm | Date |
| MS 67 | $240 | Heritage Auctions | May-2023 |
| MS67+ | $336 | Heritage Auctions | Nov-2022 |
| MS67+ | $630 | Heritage Auctions | Aug-2022 |
| MS68 | $7,800 | Heritage Auctions | Jun-2019 |
Did the 1944 Washington Quarter Have Errors?
Like its earlier counterparts, the 1942 and 1943 quarters, the 1944 series is not error-free. The most recognized error is arguably the double die error, which appears predominantly across the series.
Read on to learn more about this error and others that collectors and enthusiasts value.
1944 Washington Quarter Double Die Obverse Error
First on our list is the double die obverse error, which occurs when the die strikes the blank slate multiple times. This causes the design elements of the coin to appear doubled on the obverse side.
The double die obverse error is super common in coins from the Philadelphia Mint because the facility used worn or damaged dies. Later on, the Mint replaced the dies, resulting in 1944 silver coins with sharper details.
How do you identify the double die error on a coin?
Look for a doubling at the base of the president’s neck or on the lettering of the coin. However, this is easier said than done because some doubled elements are hard to notice unless you use a coin microscope.
Alternatively, you can get your coin graded by a professional coin grader or grading company like PCGS to determine if it has a genuine error. What’s more, the grader will assign your coin a grade, which might help to determine its value.
That said, some collectors will pay huge sums of money for well-kept 1944 quarters with double die obverse error. For example, a collector paid around $780 for a 1944 silver quarter graded at MS66 in 2018 at Heritage Auctions.
You should also look out for 1944 quarters with a double-die reverse error because it might fetch you good money.
1944 Washington Quarter Broadstruck Error
Moving on, the broadstruck coin error. It happens when the striking machine applies too much pressure to the coin, causing its design to extend past the normal edge of the coin. In simple terms, the machine flattens the coin.
This error can be caused by several issues, such as malfunctioning of the coin press or misalignment of the die. Though not particularly rare, some collectors will buy these error coins. Of course, the condition of the coin will play a big part in determining its price.
Generally, quarters with this error can sell from $20 to $70, especially those in mint state condition.
1944 Quarter Struck-Through Error
Another 1944 silver quarter we’ve encountered is the struck-through error. The error occurs when an object comes between the dies and planchet at the time of striking. This results in a coin with an outline of the object or missing a part of the design.
Struck-through error is arguably the most common mint error, and its category includes many variations. Nevertheless, they are collectible, and their value will depend on the severity of the error and the condition of the coin.
Check out this 1944 25-cent silver quarter with reverse struck-through error that sold for $174 in 2020 at Heritage Auctions.
1944 Washington Quarter Struck Through a Zinc Plate
Last but not least, we have a super rare and valuable error coin: the 1944 silver quarter struck through a zinc plate.
In 1943, the US Mint used zinc-plated steel planchets to produce Lincoln cents. However, some of these planchets were accidentally mixed up with silver planchets used to produce the 1944 quarters. This resulted in a unique mint error, where silver quarters got struck on zinc-plated steel planchets.
There’s only one recorded error coin dated to 1944, and it sold for $16,800 on Dec 21, 2022, at Heritage Auctions. However, coin experts speculate that a few dozen pieces exist.
In addition to these errors, be on the lookout for minor coin errors that can add value to your coins, including:
- Off-center strikes
- Clipped planchets
- Quarters struck on five-cent planchet
- Re-punched mint marks
Where Can You Buy or Sell a 1944 Washington Quarter?
Are you looking to sell a rare piece you have been holding on to? Or do you want to add a new 1944 silver to your collection? Check out these marketplaces:
- Coin dealers: Chances are, several local coin dealers within your area buy or sell old or rare coins. These shops are great if you want a fair price on your item.
- Online Auctions: You can buy and sell coins on online auction sites like Heritage Auctions, eBay, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections. But remember, some of these sites might have hefty seller’s fees that add up fast.
- Specialized Websites: You should also visit sites that buy and sell coins, such as JM Bullion, USA Coin Book, and Greysheet.
- Private Sellers: Some people can opt to buy or sell their quarters to private sellers. However, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with doing business with such individuals. Ensure you research the private seller and only work with people with a good reputation.
Closing Thoughts
As we wrap up, the 1944 Washington Quarter stands out as a unique historical currency that helped shape the American economy in a dire time. It has a beautiful design and is made of 90% silver, which makes it a valuable addition to any coin collection.
But remember, not every 1944 quarter is valuable – only pieces in mint state condition or with errors fetch the highest price. When searching for rare coins, pay attention to anything that seems different, such as distinct designs, unusual colors, or wrong values.
And if you suspect you have a rare treasure, it helps to get it graded by a professional to get the right grade and the value.
