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The 1937 Washington Quarter, certified MS65 by NGC, is a beautiful and historically significant coin that represents one of the early issues in the Washington Quarter series, which was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The Washington Quarter replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter, and its design has since become a cornerstone of U.S. coinage. The series was initially intended to be a one-year commemorative coin, but it was so well-received that it became a permanent part of the U.S. Mint's lineup. By 1937, the Washington Quarter had fully established itself, and coins from this year reflect the ongoing production quality and growing popularity of the series.
The obverse of the 1937 Washington Quarter features a right-facing profile of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington is depicted in a dignified and classical style, with a sense of nobility that reflects his importance as the nation’s first president and a key figure in American history. Above Washington’s head is the word "LIBERTY," while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed to the left. Below his profile, the date "1937" is prominently displayed. The obverse design, while simple, effectively conveys a sense of respect and admiration for Washington, and it has remained largely unchanged for decades. The coin’s uncluttered design allows Washington’s portrait to take center stage, making it one of the most recognizable images in American numismatics.
The reverse of the 1937 Washington Quarter is equally iconic, featuring a bold depiction of a heraldic eagle with its wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows. The arrows symbolize the nation's strength and readiness to defend itself, while the olive branches that surround the arrows represent peace. The eagle’s fierce and determined posture reinforces the themes of strength and vigilance. Above the eagle, the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are inscribed, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" just below. At the bottom of the reverse, the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is displayed. Flanagan’s reverse design is both powerful and elegant, with its crisp lines and balanced composition. The reverse has remained a hallmark of the Washington Quarter series, reflecting the nation's ideals of strength and unity.
The 1937 Washington Quarter was struck at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The example certified as MS65 by NGC is from the Philadelphia Mint, which struck 19,696,000 quarters that year. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint are notable for their sharp strikes and strong details, which are evident in the crisp features of Washington’s portrait and the intricate details of the eagle on the reverse. The absence of a mint mark indicates that the coin was produced in Philadelphia, the oldest and most prestigious of the U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia-minted coins from the 1930s, including the 1937 Washington Quarter, are known for their overall quality and consistency in production, making them desirable to collectors seeking high-grade examples.
The mintage of the 1937 Washington Quarter reflects the growing demand for silver coinage in the United States during the mid-1930s. The Washington Quarter quickly became a popular coin in circulation due to its practical denomination and widespread use in everyday transactions. By 1937, the U.S. economy was slowly recovering from the Great Depression, and the increased production of quarters at all three mints was a reflection of the nation's improving financial outlook. The large mintage numbers also mean that many 1937 Washington Quarters entered circulation, resulting in significant wear on most surviving examples. However, high-grade coins like the MS65 example are much scarcer, as they exhibit no signs of wear and retain their original mint luster.
The 1937 Washington Quarter graded MS65 by NGC is a coin in near-pristine condition, with sharp details and excellent eye appeal. MS65 (Mint State 65) is a high grade, indicating that the coin has no signs of circulation and retains much of its original luster. The surfaces of the coin are well-preserved, with only minor contact marks or abrasions visible under magnification. These small imperfections are typical of coins stored in bags with other coins and do not detract from the overall beauty of the piece. The MS65 grade is sought after by collectors who want a high-quality example of the 1937 Washington Quarter without the premium associated with higher grades like MS66 or MS67. In this grade, the coin’s design elements are sharp and well-defined, from the fine details of Washington’s hair to the feathers of the eagle on the reverse.
The 1937 Washington Quarter in MS65 condition, certified by NGC, is a fantastic addition to any collection of U.S. coins. Its historical significance as an early issue in the Washington Quarter series, combined with its high grade and sharp strike, makes it a desirable piece for collectors. The design by John Flanagan, with its classical depiction of George Washington and powerful eagle reverse, has stood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved designs in American coinage. As part of the Philadelphia Mint’s production, this 1937 Washington Quarter reflects the high-quality craftsmanship of the era, and its condition makes it a standout example of the series. With its connection to the economic recovery of the 1930s and its enduring design, the 1937 Washington Quarter in MS65 is a coin that holds both historical and numismatic value.