When it comes to evaluating the value and collectibility of vintage U.S. coins, sometimes the most unassuming denominations can hold the greatest numismatic treasures. The 1942 Washington quarter, with its modest 25 cent face value, is one such sleeper coin that is gaining more attention from collectors with each passing year.
Minted in the tumultuous year following the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched America‘s entry into World War II, 1942 quarters are becoming increasingly prized for their historical significance tied to this pivotal era. Of course, that doesn‘t mean every old quarter found in circulation is worth a fortune. Like all coins, the value ultimately depends on key factors like specific mint mark, condition, and variety.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting to learn about numismatics, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 1942 quarter values so you can wisely buy, sell, or trade these classic 90% silver coins.
Understanding the Context and Mintages of 1942 Quarters
Before diving into the specific price points, it‘s important to set the stage for what makes 1942 Washington quarters special in the first place. The year 1942 marked a major turning point as the United States mobilized for war following the December 7, 1941 surprise attack by Japanese forces on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor.
As the U.S. ramped up military production and the economy shifted to a war footing, the demand for coinage surged to keep pace. The U.S. Mint answered the call by significantly increasing quarter output in 1942 compared to most of the previous years of the Washington quarter series that began in 1932.
Across all three mints in operation at the time, nearly 138 million quarters bearing the 1942 date were struck for circulation:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): 102,117,123
- Denver (D mint mark): 17,487,200
- San Francisco (S mint mark): 19,384,000
While these mintages may sound large, it‘s important to remember that the vast majority saw heavy circulation over the decades and relatively few were set aside in uncirculated condition. This is especially true of the Philadelphia issues, which tended to have lower quality strikes that wore down quickly. Meanwhile, the Denver mint produced the fewest quarters but had some of the sharpest strikes, adding to their appeal.
With only one year type coins issued bearing the 1942 date and mintmark, there are no especially rare issues that were officially released into circulation. However, the 1942 proof set that was supposed to be struck at the Philadelphia Mint ended up being cancelled due to the war. Only a few 1942 proof quarters were minted, making them exceedingly rare and valuable.
How Much Silver Is in a 1942 Quarter?
An important factor to consider with any 90% silver U.S. coin is the precious metal content. Each 1942 Washington quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. With a diameter of 24.3mm and a weight of 6.25 grams, that equates to a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.
At a minimum, most circulated 1942 quarters are worth at least their melt value in silver bullion. With silver prices around $24 per troy ounce as of summer 2023, the base value for each 1942 quarter just for its silver content is approximately $4.50.
Of course, coins in better condition will carry numismatic premiums above the silver spot price. This is especially true for uncirculated examples and those with fully intact details and original luster. But unlike some rare date mint state quarters that are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the price jump for pristine 1942 quarters is not as steep due to the relatively large mintages.
1942 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
As the workhorse mint that produced the lion‘s share of circulating coinage, the Philadelphia Mint churned out over 102 million no mint mark quarters in 1942 alone. Compared to other years, this is a huge output that ensured an ample supply for commerce. However, it also meant that quality control sometimes suffered in the rush to keep up with demand.
Many 1942 quarters from the Philadelphia mint are notorious for weak strikes, especially on the high points of Washington‘s hair and the eagle‘s breast on the reverse. Quarters with fully struck up details are the exception rather than the norm, which is factored into the grading and pricing.
For circulated 1942 quarters from the Philadelphia mint, most examples in lower grades are worth $5 to $10 based on the silver content. Extremely fine pieces without major marks or damage can bring $10 to $15.
In the uncirculated grades of mint state (MS) 60 through 63, 1942 no mintmark quarters are still relatively affordable at $16 to $50 for coins with minor bag marks and scuffs but no wear. Gem examples grading MS65 or better get scarcer, with prices of $72 for MS65, $95 for MS66, and $575 for MS67. An exceptionally pristine 1942 MS68 graded by PCGS sold for $4,887 in a 2006 auction.
1942-D Quarter Value
Although the Denver Mint produced the lowest mintage of the three facilities striking quarters in 1942, the over 17 million pieces is still a sizeable output. What sets many of the 1942-D quarters apart is the consistently sharp strike and beautiful luster on high end examples. Well struck gems are a delight to behold.
Circulated 1942-D quarters are worth similar amounts to their Philadelphia counterparts, with $5 to $10 for most worn grades and $10 to $16 for choice extremely fine. Uncirculated pieces grading MS60 to 63 range from $18 to $50. In MS65 gem condition, prices jump to around $200. A sole MS68 specimen graded by PCGS realized $9,600 in a 2006 auction.
One interesting variety to note with 1942-D quarters are the overdates, although these are scarcer than the similarly named varieties on other denominations. A 1942-D/1 quarter with a 2 overpunched on a 1 in MS64 condition sold for over $6,000 in 2021. Other 1942-D doubled dies are known and carry substantial premiums in high grades.
1942-S Quarter Value
The San Francisco Mint actually struck a couple million more quarters than Denver in 1942, but had the second lowest overall mintage at 19.3 million for the year. In general, the 1942-S coins are well made with slightly better striking quality than their Philadelphia counterparts on average.
Circulated 1942-S quarters start at around $5 to $10 in most worn grades and can fetch $10 to $30 for extremely fine examples. Uncirculated coins grading MS60 to MS63 go for $18 to $50. In MS65 and above gem grades, the 1942-S lags a bit behind the other two mints due to the larger number struck. An MS65 lists for $260, an MS66 for $475, and an MS67 for $1,300 in price guides. The single finest known 1942-S is a PCGS MS68 that commanded $7,200 in a 2006 sale.
1942 Proof Quarter Value
Interestingly, it appears that a small number of proof quarters dated 1942 were struck early in the year before the U.S. Mint ceased production of proof sets for collectors due to the war effort. Walter Breen‘s reference book on proof coins notes that only four examples were known to him at the time of publication. The few that have surfaced since then indicate that the original mintage was probably no more than 15-20 pieces, ranking them among the rarest proof quarters.
Since these 1942 proofs trade so infrequently, price data is limited. One PCGS graded PR68 specimen hammered for $12,925 in a 2005 auction. Another PR68 coin with a CAC sticker brought $10,575 in 2014. If any 1942 proof quarters were to hit the market today, it‘s likely they would shatter those old records.
Beware of Counterfeits and Altered Coins
As with any valuable coin, collectors need to be on guard against counterfeit and altered 1942 quarters in the marketplace. While 1942 is not considered a key date, the 90% silver composition and potential for finding higher grade examples makes these coins a target for fakes.
The most common type of counterfeit is a cast copy made from a mold of a genuine coin. These can often be detected by looking for telltale seams, pits, or a grainy texture that differs from a struck coin. The weight and dimensions may also be off if the counterfeiter used the wrong alloy. Any 1942 quarter that has a suspicious "proof-like" appearance should be authenticated since the Mint did not make any proofs for sale that year.
Another problem to watch out for are coins that have been artificially toned or conserved to cover up cleaning or other surface issues. Coins with matte-like surfaces, hazy toning, or hairlines under magnification may have been doctored to make a details grade coin appear undamaged. Avoid raw coins in holders or flips not certified by reputable grading companies.
The best way to protect yourself as a buyer is to purchase slabbed coins in PCGS or NGC holders with a grade and certification number. These have already been inspected for authenticity and preservation. If you‘re unsure about a raw coin, have it evaluated by a trusted dealer or third party grading service. It‘s always better to be safe than sorry when significant money is changing hands.
How to Sell Your 1942 Quarter
If you have a 1942 Washington quarter (or a whole roll of them) that you‘re interested in selling, there are a number of different options to consider based on the coins‘ condition and value:
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Coin Shops – A trusted local coin dealer can evaluate any 1942 quarters you have and make an offer based on their retail selling prices. You‘ll get less than full retail value to account for their profit margin, but it‘s a quick and easy way to sell common coins. Make sure the dealer has a good reputation and compare offers.
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Online Dealers – Many coin dealers also have websites with "sell to us" programs that let you securely ship them your coins for evaluation and an offer. Again, expect offers of 50% to 80% of retail based on their assessment of the grade and market. This can be a good option if you don‘t have a local shop nearby.
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Auction Houses – For 1942 quarters that are high grade gems or rare varieties like overdates, it may be worth consigning them to a well known auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack‘s Bowers. They will inspect the coins, determine the estimated value, and set a reserve price. You‘ll have to pay seller fees of 10-20%, but coins typically sell for closer to retail if advertised to the right bidders.
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Peer-to-Peer Selling – For do-it-yourself types, selling your coins directly to other collectors on platforms like eBay or message boards is an option. Price your coins based on recent sold listings for similar examples. Be aware of additional costs for things like payment processing fees and shipping with tracking numbers. If you‘re not experienced at grading, it‘s best to sell certified coins.
Whichever selling method you choose, remember to stay patient, know what you have, and don‘t be afraid to shop around for the best offer. The numismatic market for 1942 quarters is active and there are always interested buyers depending on the seller‘s asking price.
Are 1942 Quarters a Good Investment?
For collectors who enjoy the history behind World War II era coinage, assembling a high grade set of 1942 quarters from all three mints can be a rewarding pursuit and a way of preserving tangible artifacts from the period for posterity. In that sense, the nostalgic and educational value is something that can be passed on through the generations.
From a financial perspective, 1942 quarters have a few things going for them as a numismatic investment. First, as 90% silver coins, they have a bullion value that provides a floor and tends to rise over time with inflation and safe haven demand. Second, truly exceptional gems are scarce and have shown significant price appreciation over the past couple decades. Finally, collector interest in vintage U.S. coins shows no signs of slowing down as more people enter the hobby.
On the downside, most circulated 1942 quarters are relatively common and not especially rare in the absolute sense. There is a large supply of mint state coins in the MS60 to MS64 grade range, so not all high grade examples are equally valuable. Prices have also been a bit stagnant in the past few years, tracking silver more than the rarest dates.
Overall, 1942 Washington quarters are still highly collectible coins with room for additional price gains in the future. Well heeled collectors will continue to compete for the superb gems in MS67 and MS68, as well as the few known proof specimens and notable varieties like the 1942-D/1. Over a longer holding period, a diversified set has the potential to appreciate in value.
Whether you‘re stacking silver, filling albums, or chasing registry sets, 1942 Washington quarters are a key piece of 20th century numismatic history. Understanding how to grade them and assess fair market value is essential for buyers and sellers alike. With the information in this guide, you‘ll be well equipped to start hunting down the finest examples of this enduringly popular series.
