1954 Washington Quarter

With more than 100 million Washington quarters minted in 1954, there is virtually no reason for coin collectors to spend much money on acquiring examples of the coin from that year. Unless, of course, they want to spend money to buy the highest-quality examples they can afford. In which case, 1954 quarters present many opportunities for the coin collector to acquire high-quality specimens at relatively low prices. Take for example, and of the three business-strike quarters (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) minted that year, which can be bought for under $15 each in Mint State-63.

Here’s a breakdown of the 1954 quarter mintages, along with values for each issue:

• 1954, 54,412,203 minted; $7

• 1954 proof, 233,300; $30

• 1954-D, 42,305,500; $7

• 1954-S, 11,834,722; $7

*Values are for coins in a grade of Extremely Fine-40, unless otherwise listed.

Mintages were up across the board for 1954 quarters, including the proof variety, which saw nearly a quarter million pieces struck that year. There is little about the 1954 quarter which is rare – unless in referring to high-end uncirculated pieces, which are somewhat scarce. Crisp, white 1954 quarters in uncirculated grades make beautiful additions to any coin collection. Though, if toned coins are more your cup of tea, there are many high-end uncirculated specimens available which exhibit gorgeous arrays of brilliant color.

Incidentally, 1954 would be the last year that the San Francisco mint produced business-strike quarters.