By Blake Alma
1949 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1949 Washington Quarter is a 90% silver U.S. quarter struck during the late 1940s. Its value is based on condition, mint mark, and the current silver melt value.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1949
- 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 1949 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 of the coin, below the wreath and above the words QUARTER DOLLAR.
1949 Washington Quarter Value
Values vary by condition and mint mark. Circulated coins are commonly priced near silver-based levels, while higher-grade examples 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 – $500+
Coins with strong luster and clean surfaces can sell for significantly more.
Silver Content
- Actual Silver Weight: 0.1808 troy ounces
Because the 1949 quarter contains silver, many collectors reference the current silver melt value to estimate a baseline price.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition/Grade: The primary pricing factor
- Mint Mark: Some mint issues are more desirable in higher grades
- Eye Appeal: Luster, strike quality, and surface preservation matter
- Originality: Coins that have not been cleaned usually command higher prices
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
Error coins can sell at premiums depending on visibility and severity.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through errors
- Die cracks or cud errors
Well-defined errors in higher condition often sell for substantial premiums.
How to Identify a 1949 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1949) 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 1949 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1949 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 remain popular with collectors.