Most Valuable 1945 Quarter Worth Money (Rarest Sold for $20,400)

The quarter, or quarter dollar, is a 25 cents denomination that is in circulation even nowadays. Nevertheless, ever since its inception in 1796, the quarter dollar has been changed frequently and is generally considered to be on/off in consistency since the 1830s. The history and origin of the quarter dollars are incredibly rich and interesting, but what is even more interesting is the actual market value and price of these antique quarter dollars nowadays.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick answer: Common date well-worn 1945 quarters have minimal value, but uncirculated examples, especially in MS-68 condition, can be worth significant premiums (rarest sold for $20,400) due to their rarity and collector demand. The silver content also provides a base level of value (around $3.60).

In the following paragraphs, we’re going to take a closer look at one specific quarter-dollar specimen; the one from the year 1945. Seeing the year, you probably can assume all the eventful things related to the coin, in the context of the global situation of the year. We’re also going to take a look at the coin features, as well as its current market value and price. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

The 1945 Quarter Dollar: History, Design, Mintage

The History and Origin

The history of the silver quarter can be divided into two categories; the quarters made from the inception year, 1796, up until 1932, and the quarter made after the year 1932. The U.S. Mint produced quarters in an on/off way until 1932, skipping the years of production in the meantime.

For example, it is near impossible to find quarters from the years 1931, or 1933 for that matter. The initial quarters features the designs of Standing Liberty and George Washington, but later these quarter will be known for their George Washington profile on the coin obverse.

Now, after the years of 1932, the U.S. Mint decided to start producing silver quarter dollars and release them into circulation. It did so until 1964, so the quarters from 1945 do belong to this category of valuable silver quarters. The 1945 quarters are especially historically important because that was the year of the return of the American troops back home. WWII was finally over, and the government saw the need to help adjust the economy in regard to the new political and economic global circumstances.

• The 1945 quarter maintained the same design as previous Washington quarters. The obverse featured a left-facing profile portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan.
• The reverse depicted an eagle perched on a shield, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The original 1932 design by Flanagan also remained.

The Mintage Numbers

The U.S. Mint decided to produce a high amount of the 1945 quarter dollar, but despite the high mintage numbers, they were still lower when compared to the previous years. This choice could have also been a part of the economic adjustment. However, taking into consideration the silver content of the quarters (90% precious metal), we can simply say that these numbers are simply the after-effects of the war.

Despite the high mintage numbers, it is pretty difficult to come across the 1945 quarter dollar in circulation. This includes both the mint-condition quarters, as well as those in the worst condition. It is also important to notice that the coin’s face value is significantly lower than its bullion or numismatic value, which will later put things into perspective when we take a look at the current market value.

Silver quarter dollars that are the most valuable, however, do not include those made in 1945. The more valuable ones were minted in 1942, 1943, and 1950. These are overall more desirable coins, while the 1945 silver quarters are up there on the highly sought-after list.

The Coin Features and Characteristics

The 1945 quarter dollars was still a Washington quarter, after all. Its initial design was based on the image of George Washington, which was originally created by John Flanagan, a U.S. sculptor back in 1932. The design was still featured in the 1945 Silver Quarter. Now, let’s take a closer look at the both obverse and reverse sides of the 1945 silver quarter;

• The obverse of the coin

On the obverse of the coin, there is the aforementioned portrait of the first American president, George Washington. The portrait was designed by John Flanagan. The rest of the obverse features inscriptions like IN GOD WE TRUST, on the left side. Under the portrait, there is the date and year, 1945, and above the portrait, there is the inscription LIBERTY.

• The reverse of the coin

The reverse side of the 1945 quarter features a large bald eagle with wings spread wide. The eagle is clutching an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. Above the eagle’s head is the phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM, which is Latin for ‘out of many, one’, as well as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, at the very top. Beneath the eagle is the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR.

The 1945 Silver Quarter Dollar Market Value and Price

The 1945 silver quarter is a highly sought-after coin among collectors due to its historical significance and rarity. It is considered one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series because it basically marked the end of the World War and the beginning of the new economic and political changes in the States. it has The total mintage for the 1945 quarter was 103,717,601 which is much lower than the mintage for the previous years.

One reason for the low mintage of the 1945 quarter is that there was no real demand for quarters at the time. In the post-1945 years, the dime and the half-dollar were the most commonly used coins in circulation. The quarter wasn’t actually as frequently used as one might expect. As a result, fewer quarters were minted, making them much more difficult to find today, which increases their current value significantly. Speaking of current value, let’s take a look at the current market value and price of the 1945 silver quarter;

• Most 1945 quarters entered circulation and exhibit wear. Finding mint state examples can be a challenge, especially for Denver and San Francisco issues.
• Well-struck, lustrous mint state coins are valued at a premium. The best 1945 quarters have graded MS-67 or MS-68.
• While not rare, the 1945 is considered a key date Washington quarter. It marked the end of WWII and has significance.
• No major errors or varieties are known, but a few minor repunched mintmarks and doubled dies exist.

The 1945 Washington Quarter – No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)

• Category: Washington Quarters (1932-1998)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mintage: 74,372,000
• Obverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Reverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 6.25g
• ASW: 0.1808oz
• Melt Value: $4.14 (8/18/2023)
• Diameter: 24.3mm
• Edge: Reeded

The Philadelphia Mint managed to produce more than 74 million 1945 silver quarter specimens, which is a rather impressive number. The majority of these coins ended up in circulation. Nevertheless, mint-state specimens are quite plentiful on the market, up to the grade MS 66. However, superior examples, graded higher than MS 66, are quite rare and difficult to acquire. It is well known that the P-Mint quarters of the early 1940s have several double-die coins as well, which makes them highly valuable; the 1945 silver quarter included.

When it comes to the current market climate, and according to the NGC price Guide for August 2023, a Washington Quarter from 1945 in the circulated condition is worth between $4.65 and $7.25. However, on the open market, 1945 Quarters in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $7,500. Auction records show that the 1945-P silver quarter can sell for as much as $16,450.00.

The 1945 Washington Quarter – D Mint Mark (Denver)

• Category: Washington Quarters (1932-1998)
• Mint: Denver
• Mintage: 12,341,600
• Obverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Reverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 6.25g
• ASW: 0.1808oz
• Melt Value: $4.13 (8/20/2023)
• Diameter: 24.3mm
• Edge: Reeded

It was rather typical of the Denver Mint to produce the lowest mintage numbers out of the three mints, but it is essential to mention that these were also the highest-quality coins produced for the 1945 Washington Quarter specimen. With just above 12 million specimens, the assumption would be that these are also rare coins, but are generally plentiful through MS 67, even with a few graded higher.

When it comes to the current market value, according to the NGC Price Guide for August 2023, a Washington Quarter from 1945 in the circulated condition is worth between $4.65 and $7.25. However, on the open market, 1945 D Quarters in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $12,750. Auction records also show that the 1945-D silver quarter can sell for as much as $20,400.00 (MS 68).

The 1945 Washington Quarter – S Mint Mark (San Francisco)

• Category: Washington Quarters (1932-1998)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Mintage: 17,004,001
• Obverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Reverse Designer: John Flanagan
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 6.25g
• ASW: 0.1808oz
• Melt Value: $4.13 (8/20/2023)
• Diameter: 24.3mm
• Edge: Reeded

Despite the low mintage numbers, when compared to the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint actually managed to increase its production by 50% in the last year of the World War. The majority of the coin is in great condition and saved by the collectors and speculators at the time. The 1945-S silver quarters have both, high grade as well as good technical qualities, which affect the current market value significantly.

When it comes to the current market climate, according to the NGC Price Guide for August 2023, a Washington Quarter from 1945 in the circulated condition is worth between $4.65 and $7.25. However, on the open market, 1945 S Quarters in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $13,000. Auction records show that the average price for an MS 67 1945-S silver quarter can be as high as $7,200.00.

The 1945 Washington Quarter – Errors and Highest Value Coins

As it is expected for errors to occur during the minting process, it is impressive that no Mint has produced error coins for the 1945 Washington Quarter specimens. No official error was ever recognized, so we do not have any info regarding the error 1945 silver quarters or their current market value or demand.

However, when it comes to the most valuable 1945 Washington silver quarters, we’ve got an excellent insight into the auction records and prices;

• The 1945-D (MS 68) silver quarter – $20,400 at Stack’s Bowers in 2021
• The 1945 (MS 68) silver quarter – $16,450 at Heritage Auctions in 2015
• The 1945-S (MS 67) silver quarter – $7,200 at Stack’s Bowers in 2020
• The 1945-S (MS 66) DDO silver quarter – $870 at Heritage Auctions in 2018
• The 1945- S (MS 66) DDO silver quarter – $840 at Heritage Auctions in 2018
• The 1945 (MS 65) DDO silver quarter – $552 at Heritage Auctions in 2018

Final Thoughts

And that’s it; hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this brief guide through the history and the current market value of the iconic 1945 Washington silver quarter. We’ve tried to make it fun and informative, but if you’re looking to learn more about the market value specifically, we urge you to visit the NGC and PCGS professional coin grading services. There you’ll learn more about the market price changes and oscillations, which can be very helpful when investing in coins. We wish you the best of luck and happy coin collecting!