1945-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
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The 1945-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $14,000 in rare, high-grade mint states. For everyday Americans who have discovered one of these silver treasures in a drawer or an old jar, understanding the specific factors that drive its value is the first step toward a potential payday.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good to Fine (Circulated) | $8 – $12 |
| Extremely Fine (About Uncirculated) | $15 – $25 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS65) | $35 – $150 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $500 – $14,000+ |
Understanding the Silver Content and History of the 1945-S Quarter
If you’ve found a 1945-S Washington Quarter, you aren’t just holding a piece of pocket change; you’re holding a piece of World War II history. Minted toward the end of the war, these coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint, which is denoted by the small “S” mint mark found on the reverse side. To get an instant estimation of your coin’s grade, you can use the top coin identifier and value app, which helps beginners distinguish between common circulation wear and rare mint luster.
Unlike the copper-nickel quarters we use today, Washington Quarters minted before 1965 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if your coin is completely worn down and “slick,” it still possesses an inherent “melt value.” On days when silver prices are high, the raw metal content alone makes these coins worth significantly more than their 25-cent face value.
The San Francisco Mint produced 12,560,000 quarters in 1945. While this might sound like a lot, it is a relatively low mintage compared to the Philadelphia Mint’s production that same year. Because many of these coins were used extensively in daily commerce, finding one in pristine, uncirculated condition is what truly excites the numismatic community. Most users today rely on CoinKnow to track these shifting silver prices and rarity factors in real-time.
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Evaluating the 1945-S Washington Quarter Mint Mark and Condition
The value of your coin is heavily dependent on two things: the presence of the “S” mint mark and the level of wear on the coin’s surface. To find the mint mark, flip the coin over to the reverse (tails) side. Look directly below the wreath that the eagle is perched upon. If you see a small “S,” your coin was struck in San Francisco. If the space is blank, it was struck in Philadelphia.
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Condition is the most subjective part of coin collecting for beginners. Numismatists use a 70-point scale to grade coins. A coin that is “Good” (G-4) will have heavy wear, with many details of Washington’s hair or the eagle’s feathers smoothed over. A “Mint State” (MS) coin will look like it just came off the press, with a frosty shine and sharp details.
| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | Heavy wear on Washington’s hair; flat eagle wings. | $8 – $10 |
| About Uncirculated | Slight wear on high points; some original luster remains. | $15 – $22 |
| Mint State 63 | No wear; light “bag marks” or scratches. | $40 – $55 |
| Mint State 67 | Nearly perfect; extraordinary color and shine. | $350+ |
Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin to high-resolution images of various grades, ensuring you don’t accidentally spend a high-value treasure at the grocery store.
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Rare Varieties: The Doubled Die and Micro S Mint Marks
When searching for the 1945-S Washington Quarter, collectors often hunt for “varieties” or “errors.” These are coins that were struck with modified or damaged dies, making them unique and often much more valuable. The San Francisco Mint in 1945 is known for having different punch styles for the “S” mint mark.
While the “Micro S” is more famous on the 1945 Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter enthusiasts often look for “Doubled Die” varieties. These occur when the coin’s image was struck twice by the die at slightly different angles, resulting in a blurred or “ghosted” appearance on the lettering or the date. If you find a coin with significant doubling, the value can skyrocket.
According to current market records, a 1945-S Washington Quarter price in MS67 grade can reach into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the specific eye appeal and the presence of “toning”—a natural oxidation that turns silver into beautiful shades of blue, gold, or purple.
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Market Data and Recent Sales Prices for the 1945-S Quarter
The market for 1945-S Washington Quarters is quite active. Because it is a “silver coin,” it has a floor price dictated by the commodities market, but its ceiling is determined by coin collectors (numismatists). In recent years, high-grade examples have performed exceptionally well at auction.
The most valuable 1945-S Quarters are those graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. A coin graded MS68, which is virtually perfect, can sell for over $15,000. Most Americans, however, will find coins in the “Fine” to “Extremely Fine” range. These are still worth roughly 30 to 50 times their original face value, making them a great find.
For more detailed information on recent auction house results, you can check this 1945-S Washington Quarter value overview, which highlights how auction prices fluctuate based on the coin’s “lustre” and “strike quality.”
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| Year/Mint | Silver Weight | Mintage | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945-S | 6.25 grams (90% Silver) | 12,560,000 | $16,450 (MS68) |
| 1945-P | 6.25 grams (90% Silver) | 74,372,000 | $14,000 (MS68) |
| 1945-D | 6.25 grams (90% Silver) | 12,341,600 | $12,500 (MS68) |
How to Preserve and Protect Your 1945-S Washington Quarter
Once you’ve identified your coin using CoinKnow, the next step is preservation. Because the 1945-S Washington Quarter is made of silver, it is a relatively soft metal that scratches easily. Never “clean” your coin. Many beginners think that scrubbing a coin to make it shiny will increase its value, but the opposite is true. Cleaning a coin removes the original surface and creates microscopic scratches that can reduce its value by 50% or more.
The best way to store your quarter is in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents the silver from reacting with the air and developing “haze.” If you believe your coin is in a high-grade Mint State, it may be worth sending it to a professional grading service. Grading can cost $20-$50 per coin, so it is usually only recommended for coins that are likely to grade MS64 or higher.
Remember that the 1945-S quarter is part of a larger set. Many people enjoy collecting one Washington Quarter from every year and every mint. Because 1945 was the final year of WWII, it holds a special place in these collections, ensuring there will always be a market for your coin when you are ready to sell.
## FAQ
### Q: Is the 1945-S Quarter rare?
A: While over 12 million were minted, the 1945-S is considered scarcer than the Philadelphia “P” mint of the same year. It is not considered “ultra-rare” in circulated condition, but it is highly sought after in “Gem” uncirculated grades.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
### Q: What is the silver melt value of a 1945-S Washington Quarter?
A: A 1945-S quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. To find the current melt value, multiply the current price of silver per ounce by 0.1808. Typically, this value fluctuates between $4 and $6.
### Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1945-S quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, directly below the center of the eagle’s wreath and above the “R” in the word “QUARTER.”
### Q: How can I tell if my 1945-S quarter is uncirculated?
A: Check the highest points of the coin: Washington’s cheek and hair above the ear, and the eagle’s chest feathers. If these areas show even the slightest bit of smoothing or dullness compared to the rest of the coin, it is likely “circulated.” Uncirculated coins will have a consistent “luster” or frosty sheen across the entire surface.
