By Blake Alma
1946 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1946 Washington Quarter is a 90% silver U.S. quarter issued during the first full year after World War II. Its value is based on condition, mint mark, and the current silver melt value.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1946
- 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 1946 Washington Quarter was struck at three U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
Mint marks are located on the reverse of the coin, below the wreath and above the words QUARTER DOLLAR.
1946 Washington Quarter Value
Values vary by condition and mint mark. Circulated examples are commonly valued near silver-based pricing, while higher-grade coins bring stronger 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+
Coins with strong luster and minimal surface marks can sell for considerably more.
Silver Content
- Actual Silver Weight: 0.1808 troy ounces
Because the 1946 quarter contains silver, many collectors reference the current silver melt value when determining a baseline value.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition/Grade: The primary driver of price
- Mint Mark: Some mint issues are more desirable in higher grades
- Eye Appeal: Luster, strike quality, and surface preservation matter
- Originality: Uncleaned coins typically command higher premiums
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
Error coins can be worth more than standard examples depending on type and visibility.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through errors
- Die cracks or cud errors
Well-defined errors in higher condition often bring significant premiums.
How to Identify a 1946 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1946) on the obverse
- Check the reverse for a mint mark (or none for Philadelphia)
- Look for a solid silver-colored edge
- Inspect high points such as Washington’s cheek and the eagle’s chest for wear
Is the 1946 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1946 Washington Quarters are valued close to their silver melt value, but Mint State coins and notable error examples can be worth substantially more. High-grade coins from Denver and San Francisco are especially popular with collectors.