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The 1944-D Washington Quarter, certified MS65 by NGC, is a remarkable piece of U.S. coinage produced during the height of World War II. The Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, had become a staple of American currency by the 1940s. By 1944, the United States was fully engaged in the war, and the coinage produced during this time holds special historical significance as a reflection of the country’s wartime economy and resilience. The 1944-D Washington Quarter, struck at the Denver Mint, is highly sought after by collectors, especially in high grades like MS65, for its pristine condition and historical relevance.
The obverse of the 1944-D Washington Quarter features the familiar portrait of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington is depicted in a dignified, right-facing profile, which was intended to evoke a sense of respect and honor for the nation's first president. The design is simple yet powerful, with the word "LIBERTY" arching above Washington’s head and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" inscribed to the left. Below Washington’s portrait, the date "1944" is prominently displayed. The obverse design has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, and its clarity and precision in this MS65 example make it a true testament to the quality of U.S. coinage during the war years.
The reverse of the 1944-D Washington Quarter continues the theme of national strength and unity, featuring a bold heraldic eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows. This eagle design, also by John Flanagan, is a symbol of the nation’s readiness to defend itself, with the arrows representing military strength. Encircling the eagle is a pair of olive branches, symbolizing peace, a poignant message during a time of global conflict. Above the eagle, the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are displayed, while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is inscribed at the bottom of the reverse. The reverse design, with its strong lines and classical symbolism, complements the obverse perfectly, reinforcing the ideals of strength and peace that were central to the American identity during World War II.
The 1944-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, as indicated by the "D" mint mark located on the reverse side, just below the olive branches. The Denver Mint, established in 1906, was responsible for producing much of the nation’s coinage during the war years, particularly in the western United States. In 1944, the Denver Mint produced 14,600,800 Washington Quarters, making it a significant contributor to the nation’s circulating coinage during this period. While the mintage of the 1944-D Washington Quarter was substantial, many of these coins entered circulation and saw heavy use, making high-grade, uncirculated examples like this MS65 piece rarer and more desirable among collectors.
The mintage of the 1944-D Washington Quarter occurred during a time when the U.S. Mint was focused on supporting the war effort by producing coins that were essential for commerce and daily transactions. The large mintage numbers reflect the increased demand for coinage during World War II, as the economy was booming due to wartime production and the growing labor force. However, despite the high mintage, coins from this era often circulated heavily, making it challenging to find examples in top condition. The MS65 grade indicates that this 1944-D Washington Quarter has been carefully preserved over the decades, with no signs of wear and minimal contact marks, retaining its original mint luster and sharp details.
The 1944-D Washington Quarter graded MS65 by NGC is a coin of exceptional quality, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Denver Mint during the war years. MS65 (Mint State 65) is a high grade, meaning the coin is in near-pristine condition, with strong eye appeal and well-preserved surfaces. In this grade, the coin’s design elements are crisp and detailed, from Washington’s profile to the feathers of the eagle on the reverse. The coin’s surfaces exhibit a brilliant luster, with only minor contact marks that are typical of coins stored in bulk at the mint. The sharpness of the strike and the overall condition make this coin a standout example of the 1944-D Washington Quarter, appealing to collectors who seek high-grade, wartime-era coins.
The 1944-D Washington Quarter in MS65 condition, certified by NGC, is a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. coins. Its historical significance, as part of the coinage produced during World War II, adds to its appeal, while its high grade ensures that it remains a beautiful and well-preserved piece. The design by John Flanagan, featuring the dignified portrait of George Washington and the powerful eagle on the reverse, is a timeless symbol of American ideals and values. The combination of historical context, artistic design, and exceptional preservation makes the 1944-D Washington Quarter in MS65 a prized collectible for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.