1974 P Washington Quarter

Overview:

One of the most used coins in commerce, the Washington Quarter, has had a very interesting history. The quarter was made to celebrate the 200th birthday of the first US president, George Washington. Sculptor John Flanagan designed the entire coin, and the mint started production of the Washington Quarter in 1932.

History of the 1974 Washington Quarter

The absence of a mint mark means that the 1974 Quarter was minted at the Philadelphia mint. It is reported that 801,456,000 examples were minted throughout 1974. The Denver mint also minted another 353,160,000 Washington Quarters that bear a "D" mint mark.

Although mintages of recent quarters are much higher, the 1974 Washington Quarter is still quite common. Many examples can still be found in everyday circulation.

Each 1974 Washington Quarter weighs 5.67 grams and is made out of a copper core layered in nickel. It also features a 24.3mm diameter with reeding on the edges.

Collecting Modern Quarters

The "modern era" of coins are considered to be any coins that were minted in or after 1964. This designates the 1974 Washington Quarter as a modern coin and is included in any modern Washington Quarter collection.

Value of the 1974 Washington Quarter

As with most modern coins minted after 1964, the 1974 Washington Quarter was minted in mass amounts. Because the 1974 Washington Quarter can still be found in circulation, the value of the coin is very low.

For 1974 Washington Quarters in MS-60 condition the value is about $0.75. Uncirculated examples can still be found in circulation, making the prices slightly deflated.

Higher grade examples such as those in MS-65 condition, are worth about $5. Even a one point increase from MS-65 to MS-66 results in the price jumping to $25.

Although not worth a significant amount, the 1974 Washington Quarter is a great coin to start a modern quarter collection. By starting a modern Washington Quarter collection, you will be able to enter the world of coin collecting with very little to no investment.