# MCN121 - George Washington Silver Quarters, 8 Coins, Mystic Choice

Own 8 Washington Silver Quarters
Coins Vary, You’ll Love Discovering Yours!

• Produced in conjunction with the bicentennial of Washington’s birth
• Minted from 1932-64
• Successor to the Standing Liberty quarter
• The first US coin produced from an alloy of 90% silver, 10% copper
• Heads side (obverse) pictures an image of George Washington based on the 1786 bust by French sculptor Jeean-Antoine Houdon (final design created by sculptor John Flanagan who adjusted the shape of Washington’s head and added a roll of hair to his wig)
• Tails side (reverse) pictures an eagle with wings spread standing on a bundle of arrows with olive branches beneath it
• Intended to be the new permanent design of the quarter
• Replaced by copper and nickel Washington quarters in 1965

Here’s a bit more about the story of these beautiful and historic coins…

In 1930, Congress established the George Washington Bicentennial Committee to plan for celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of America’s first president. The committee sought the support of Congress for a special half dollar coin for the occasion. Before receiving approval, they began a competition for the coin design. The image of Washington was to be based on the 1786 bust made by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The Bicentennial Committee chose Laura Gardin Fraser’s designs for the expected half dollar coin, as well as for a commemorative medal.

Meanwhile, Congress began talks on issuing a Washington quarter, rather than a half dollar. The Standing Liberty quarter that was in use at the time had faced a number of criticisms during its production. The new Washington quarter would not just replace the existing coin for a year, but permanently. Legislation for the new coin was passed in March 1931.

Though the Bicentennial Committee had chosen Fraser’s design for a new Washington coin, Andrew Mellon, the Secretary of the Treasury selected the design of sculptor John Flanagan. Though the committee objected to Mellon’s choice, he remained firm. Flanagan made a few modifications to Houdon’s depiction of Washington. These included changing the shape of Washington’s head and adding a roll of hair to his wig.

The new quarter was released into circulation on August 1, 1932. Though it was in the midst of the Great Depression, the coin was well received by the public. The design struck well and held up to use, unlike the Standing Liberty quarter. The image of Washington and the depiction of an eagle on the reverse remained the same for decades, though there were small modifications along the way.

The George Washington silver quarter was the first produced from an alloy made of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, in 1964, there was a shortage of coins, especially those containing silver. As the price for the precious metal increased, quarters became more valuable, so people started hoarding them. The Coinage Act of 1965 was passed to relieve the shortage by changing the composition of silver coins. The new quarters would be made of copper and nickel, signaling the end of Washington silver quarters. In total, the silver quarters were produced from 1932-64.