The Washington Quarter may not seem like a collectible coin simply because it is still being produced to this day. However, the fact of the matter is that Washington Quarters produced prior to 1965 are attractive to collectors because they were some of the last US coins to have been produced with silver. Though many Washington Quarters are on the market today, that number is sure to steadily diminish as time moves forward.
For collectors, the goal is always to have the most well-preserved pieces added to their collections. Unfortunately, the number of well-preserved quarters is constantly being whittled away.
When it comes to the Washington Quarter, the condition of the coin means everything to collectors. What I mean by this is that collectors will do anything they can to add the most pristine pieces to their collections. In order to do this, a prospective buyer will be forced to check out the condition of the coin for themselves.
Being that this is not always the most effective way to determine the coin’s condition, many people opt for sending the coin away for official grading. Many others still, however, do not have the money to send their coins away for grading and because of that we have provided a listing of the different coin grades and their characteristics.
Uncirculated: A coin that is given an Uncirculated grade is one that has spent absolutely no time at all exchanging hands. These pieces will take on the appearance of coins that have just been minted, and this is exactly what makes them attractive to collectors. The only drawback associated with Uncirculated coins is the higher asking price.
Extremely Fine: A coin that is determined to be of Extremely Fine grade is one that has spent very little time exchanging hands. These coins will show minimal signs of wear and will appear to be pristine until you look at the surfaces very closely. Even still, these coins are a great addition to any new or preexisting collection.
Fine: If a coin is determined to be Fine, this means that the piece was circulated extensively but somehow managed to avoid the damage often associated with circulated coins. All in all, you will notice some surface wear, scratching, and other small imperfections. These coins will have smoother surfaces, but the imagery and inscriptions will still be able to be made out with the naked eye.
Good: A coin that is determined to be of Good grade is one that is extremely damaged through years of being circulated. The damage often found on these coins can range from something as small as a few scratches to anything as large as bending of the coin itself. These coins, though not in the best shape, are an affordable addition to any collection.
If you would like to determine an accurate price point for the Washington Quarter, there are a few factors you must pay attention to. For one, the condition of the coin means everything to collectors so it goes without saying that well-preserved pieces will sell for the highest prices. Secondly, because there were a few different types of quarters minted every year, the type of quarter you have will also play into the asking price. Listed below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what you might be asked to pay for a Washington Quarter given its type and condition.
1957 Washington Quarter
DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
---|---|---|---|---|
1957 Washington Quarter | N/A | N/A | $7 | $8 |
1957 Washington Quarter (D) | N/A | N/A | $7 | $8 | Source: Red Book |