By Blake Alma
1945 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1945 Washington Quarter is a 90% silver U.S. quarter struck during the final year of World War II. Its value depends on condition, mint mark, and the current silver melt value.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1945
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: John Flanagan
Mint Marks
The 1945 Washington Quarter was produced at three U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
Mint marks appear on the reverse, below the wreath and above the words QUARTER DOLLAR.
1945 Washington Quarter Value
Values vary by condition and mint mark. Circulated examples are often priced near silver-based levels, while higher-grade coins bring collector premiums.
- Good (G-4): $6 – $7
- Fine (F-12): $7 – $10
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $10 – $18
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $20 – $40
- Mint State (MS-60+): $50 – $450+
Mint State coins with strong luster and minimal marks can sell for significantly more.
Silver Content
- Actual Silver Weight: 0.1808 troy ounces
Because the 1945 quarter contains silver, many collectors reference the current silver melt value to determine a baseline before considering condition and rarity.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition/Grade: The most important factor
- Mint Mark: Some mint issues are scarcer in higher grades
- Eye Appeal: Luster, strike sharpness, and surface quality matter
- Originality: Coins that have not been cleaned typically command higher prices
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
Error coins from 1945 can carry premiums depending on the type and visibility of the error.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through errors
- Die cracks or cud errors
Well-defined errors in higher condition are especially desirable.
How to Identify a 1945 Washington Quarter
- Verify the date (1945) on the obverse
- Look for a mint mark on the reverse (or none for Philadelphia)
- Check for a solid silver-colored edge
- Examine high points such as Washington’s cheek and the eagle’s chest for wear
Is the 1945 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1945 Washington Quarters are valued close to their silver melt value, but Mint State examples and notable error coins can be worth much more. High-grade coins from Denver and San Francisco are especially popular with collectors