Washington Quarter (1941)
Numismatic art / Circulating coinage • John Flanagan (Sculptor/Designer)
Style & Movement
Classical Revival / American Neoclassicism
Medium & Technique
90% silver, 10% copper; struck by steel dies (die striking technique)
Creation Period
1941 (Mid-20th Century)
Dimensions & Format
24.3 mm diameter; Circular (Tondo-style relief)
Subject Description
Obverse features a profile portrait of George Washington, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1785 bust, facing left. The legend 'LIBERTY' arches above, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at left and the date '1941' below.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good (G-VG) circulated condition; significant wear on the hair details and high points of the face.
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 (primarily based on silver melt value and base numismatic premium)
Auction Estimate
$4.00 - $10.00
Provenance History
Likely sourced from general circulation or a private coin collection; minted by the United States Mint.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of mid-century American civic iconography; Flanagan's design replaced the Standing Liberty quarter in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of Washington's birth.
Notable Features
The 1941 issue is a 'pre-1965' silver coin. It features the designer's initials 'JF' at the base of Washington's neck.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions (bag marks), smoothing of the fine detail in the hair and ears due to long-term circulation, and natural silver oxidation/patina.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a PVC-free archival flip or capsule. Do not clean or polish, as chemical cleaning removes the original surface (luster) and decreases numismatic value.