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The Certified 1934 Washington Quarter, graded MS63 by ANACS, is a notable example of early Washington Quarters, which were introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This 1934 coin comes from the second year of the series’ production, following the initial release in 1932. The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be a one-year commemorative coin, but due to its popularity and the decision to halt the production of Standing Liberty Quarters, it became a permanent fixture in U.S. coinage. The MS63 grade indicates that this 1934 Washington Quarter is in mint state condition, with only minor marks and blemishes that are consistent with this grade level. Its lustrous surfaces and strong strike make it an attractive collectible for numismatists who focus on early 20th-century U.S. coinage.
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, whose portrait of George Washington on the obverse has become iconic in American coinage. The design was based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous bust of Washington, which was widely admired for its accuracy and dignity. The obverse features a right-facing profile of Washington, with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed above his head, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left, and the date "1934" below. In MS63 condition, the obverse of this coin retains much of its original mint luster, though it may exhibit some minor contact marks or blemishes, particularly in the fields or on Washington’s face. The design’s sharpness, especially in the details of Washington’s hair and the clean strike of the inscriptions, is well-preserved in this grade, making it a desirable piece for collectors.
The reverse of the 1934 Washington Quarter features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a bundle of arrows in its talons, symbolizing strength and readiness for war. Below the eagle is an olive branch, representing peace. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs above the eagle, with the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" at the bottom. The reverse design is simple yet elegant, evoking a sense of national pride and unity. In MS63 condition, the reverse shows good detail, with only light marks or abrasions that do not detract significantly from the overall appearance. The feathers of the eagle, particularly on the wings and chest, retain sharpness, contributing to the coin’s visual appeal. The balance between the eagle’s fierce posture and the peaceful symbolism of the olive branch is a key element of the design.
The 1934 Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as evidenced by the lack of a mintmark. This was a period of recovery for the U.S. economy, following the Great Depression, and coin production was gradually increasing after being significantly reduced in earlier years. The mintage for the 1934 Washington Quarter was 31,912,052 coins, making it one of the more widely produced early issues in the series. While this mintage is relatively high compared to some other key dates in the series, finding examples in higher mint state grades can still be a challenge due to the coin’s age and circulation. The MS63 grade reflects a balance between affordability and quality, offering collectors a coin that retains its original mint state appearance without the premium cost associated with higher grades.
The Washington Quarter series holds a significant place in U.S. numismatic history, as it has been in continuous production since 1932, with modifications made over the years to the reverse design and composition. The 1934 issue, being an early date in the series, is particularly important to collectors who seek to build complete sets of Washington Quarters or focus on early 20th-century coinage. The 1934 quarter also marked the first year of resumed production after none were minted in 1933, making it a key transitional piece between the initial 1932 issue and the years that followed.
The MS63 grade, certified by ANACS, ensures that this 1934 Washington Quarter is an authentic and well-preserved example of early Washington Quarters. ANACS is a well-respected grading service known for its reliable and consistent grading standards, giving collectors confidence in the coin’s condition and authenticity. In MS63, this coin offers strong eye appeal with minimal imperfections, making it a great addition to a collection of early Washington Quarters or a broader collection of U.S. silver coinage. The certification by ANACS further enhances the coin’s value, as it provides assurance that the coin has been accurately graded by professional numismatists.
The 1934 Washington Quarter in MS63 condition is a piece of American history that reflects the enduring legacy of George Washington and the resilience of the U.S. Mint during the challenging economic times of the 1930s. Its historical significance, combined with its attractive design and solid preservation, makes it a worthy collectible for both seasoned and novice numismatists. Whether acquired as part of a complete set or as a stand-alone piece, this 1934 quarter represents an important chapter in the history of U.S. coinage and a tribute to the nation’s first president.