-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 53107
Checkout
The Certified 1939 Washington Quarter, graded MS66 by NGC, is a stunning example of one of the United States’ most enduring coin designs. Introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, the Washington Quarter has remained a staple of American coinage ever since. The 1939 issue comes from the early years of the series, a time when the country was emerging from the Great Depression and preparing for the challenges of World War II. The MS66 grade reflects the exceptional preservation of this coin, with sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal signs of handling, making it highly desirable for collectors who seek near-gem quality examples.
The obverse of the 1939 Washington Quarter features the familiar profile of George Washington, facing left. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, Washington’s portrait is both dignified and simple, embodying the strength and leadership of the nation’s first president. Above Washington’s head is the word "LIBERTY," while the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the left, and the date "1939" is inscribed below. The design is clean and uncluttered, emphasizing the importance of Washington’s role in American history. On this MS66 example, the obverse displays sharp details, particularly in Washington’s hair and facial features. The coin’s surfaces are smooth, with a brilliant luster that enhances the overall appearance, and any contact marks are minor and scarcely visible, giving the coin a near-flawless look.
The reverse of the 1939 Washington Quarter features a majestic bald eagle perched on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing the nation’s readiness to defend itself. The eagle’s wings are partially spread, adding a sense of power and strength to the design. Below the eagle is an olive branch, representing the United States’ desire for peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are placed above the eagle, while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is inscribed at the bottom. The reverse design is symmetrical and balanced, with a classic aesthetic that reflects Flanagan’s style. On this MS66 coin, the reverse is equally impressive, with crisp details in the eagle’s feathers and the arrows. The luster on the reverse is brilliant, giving the coin a radiant appearance that collectors find highly appealing. The overall quality of the reverse strike, combined with the minimal signs of wear, makes this coin a standout example of the early Washington Quarters.
The 1939 Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the oldest mint in the United States and the primary facility for producing the nation’s coinage. The Philadelphia Mint did not place a mintmark on its coins at the time, making the absence of a mintmark a distinguishing feature of coins produced at this facility. The total mintage for the 1939 Washington Quarter was 33,540,000, a relatively high figure for the series. While the mintage is substantial, finding high-grade examples like this MS66 piece can be difficult, as many coins from this period saw heavy circulation during the years leading up to World War II. The high-quality strike and preservation of this coin make it a valuable addition to any collection of early Washington Quarters.
The Washington Quarter series was introduced during a time of economic recovery following the Great Depression, and it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter, which had been in circulation since 1916. Flanagan’s design for the Washington Quarter was selected for its simplicity and elegance, and it has remained in use with only minor modifications over the decades. The 1939 issue represents one of the early years of the series, making it especially significant for collectors who focus on early 20th-century U.S. coinage. The MS66 grade further enhances the coin’s desirability, as it represents a near-gem example from this era, with exceptional eye appeal and preservation.
The 1939 Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage during the early 20th century. The coin weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The silver content adds intrinsic value to the coin, making it not only a collectible item but also a tangible piece of American economic history. Over time, many silver Washington Quarters were heavily circulated or melted down for their metal content, particularly after silver was removed from U.S. coinage in 1965. As a result, well-preserved examples like this MS66 coin are increasingly rare and valuable, especially for collectors who appreciate the combination of historical significance and silver content.
The MS66 grade assigned by NGC indicates that this 1939 Washington Quarter is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections that are not immediately visible without magnification. Coins in this grade exhibit strong eye appeal, with sharp details, bright luster, and minimal contact marks. MS66 coins are highly prized by collectors because they offer a nearly flawless appearance without the premium prices associated with higher grades like MS67 or MS68. This example’s clean surfaces, sharp strike, and vibrant luster make it an outstanding addition to any collection of early Washington Quarters.
The Certified 1939 Washington Quarter MS66 NGC is a remarkable example of American numismatic history. Its sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal imperfections make it a highly desirable coin for collectors. As part of the early years of the Washington Quarter series, the 1939 issue holds a special place in U.S. coinage history, symbolizing both the legacy of George Washington and the enduring beauty of American coin design. Whether collected for its historical significance, aesthetic appeal, or investment potential, this MS66 quarter is a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. silver coins.