The Washington Quarter was first issued by the United States Mint in 1932 in recognition of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Originally planned as a one-year commemorative coin, the design quickly gained widespread public approval. Due to its popularity, the Washington Quarter was adopted as the standard quarter-dollar design, replacing the Standing Liberty Quarter that had been in circulation since 1916. This 1934 Washington Quarter is a highly graded specimen with the Medium Motto die strike. Today, the 1934 Washington Quarter is available from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with a protective slab!
• 2nd release of Washington Quarters!
• Distinctive Medium Motto die strike!
• Contains .18084 troy oz of actual silver content.
• The face value is $.25 (USD).
• Graded Mint State 67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
• On the obverse is President George Washington.
• The reverse includes an American bald eagle.
• Please note that the exact appearance/condition of each coin may vary slightly.

The 1934 Washington Quarter from Philadelphia saw production resume after no quarters were struck in 1933, with a mintage of 31,912,052 pieces reflecting increased demand as the economy began its slow recovery. These coins featured the same design as the 1932 issues but were struck in larger quantities to meet circulation needs. The lack of a mintmark identifies these as Philadelphia products, and they remain among the more affordable dates for collectors seeking examples from the early Washington Quarter era.

This 1934 Washington Quarter is in Mint State 67 condition with the Medium Motto die used in production. 1934 saw the US Mint strike Washington Quarters with three different dies that became known as Light Motto (weakest strike), Medium Motto (sharper strike), and Heavy Motto (bold/thick strike). These Medium Motto coins are often identified by the W in WE, from IN GOD WE TRUST, with sharp overall lettering. The coin features a bright, satin center with bold toning and peripheral bands of amber and russet colors on both sides. 

The obverse of the 1934 Washington Quarter was designed by sculptor John Flanagan and features a left-facing portrait of George Washington. Flanagan based his design on a 1786 sculpture by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon, widely regarded as one of the most accurate likenesses of Washington. The portrait presents Washington with a refined, dignified expression that highlights his strong facial features and steady presence. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed along the upper rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of the portrait. The date is displayed below, creating a well-balanced design that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The reverse of the 1934 Washington Quarter, also designed by John Flanagan, showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings standing atop a bundle of arrows. Olive branches extend from either side of the arrows, reinforcing the symbolic contrast within the design. The eagle faces left, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed above and the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR” below. Together, the arrows and olive branches represent military readiness balanced with a commitment to peace, a theme closely associated with Washington’s leadership and legacy.

Please contact JM Bullion if you have any questions about unique 90% silver coins. You can call us at 800-276-6508, connect with us via our web chat, or via our email address.