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The 1947-S Washington Quarter, certified MS65 by PCGS, is a fine example of post-World War II American coinage. The Washington Quarter series, introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, continued its prominence through the 1940s and beyond. By 1947, the United States was transitioning from a wartime economy to a period of post-war prosperity and reconstruction. Coins from this era reflect the return to normalcy in American life and commerce. The 1947-S Washington Quarter, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is particularly valued by collectors for its quality strike, mint luster, and historical significance. In high-grade examples like this MS65, the coin represents a well-preserved piece of numismatic history from the late 1940s.
The obverse of the 1947-S Washington Quarter features the iconic profile of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington is depicted in a classical, right-facing profile, reflecting his dignified and revered status as the nation's first president and a founding father. The design was originally intended for the 1932 commemorative quarter but was so well-received that it became the standard design for the series. Above Washington's portrait, the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the left of his profile. The date "1947" is prominently displayed at the bottom of the obverse. The simplicity and elegance of the design have allowed it to endure as a staple of U.S. coinage for decades. In the MS65 grade, the details of Washington’s hair, facial features, and the inscriptions are sharp and well-defined, with no signs of wear from circulation.
The reverse of the 1947-S Washington Quarter is equally emblematic of American values, showcasing a bold and majestic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle is perched on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing the nation's readiness to defend itself. Encircling the arrows are olive branches, which represent peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appear above the eagle, while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is displayed below. The reverse design, also created by John Flanagan, complements the obverse with its themes of strength, unity, and peace. In this MS65 example, the intricate details of the eagle’s feathers, wings, and the arrows are crisp, and the overall luster of the coin enhances its eye appeal, making it a standout piece for collectors.
The 1947-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, as indicated by the "S" mint mark on the reverse, just below the wreath. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, was responsible for producing much of the nation's coinage, particularly in the western states. In 1947, the San Francisco Mint produced 5,532,000 Washington Quarters. While this mintage was not exceptionally low, many of these coins entered circulation, making high-grade, uncirculated examples like this MS65 piece relatively scarce today. The San Francisco Mint was known for producing well-struck coins with sharp details, and the 1947-S Washington Quarter is no exception. The quality of the strike and the preservation of this coin contribute to its desirability among collectors.
The mintage of the 1947-S Washington Quarter reflects the post-war economic recovery and the continued demand for circulating coinage. The United States was experiencing a period of growth and stability, with increased production and consumer spending driving the economy forward. Coins like the 1947-S Quarter were an essential part of everyday commerce, used in transactions across the country. As a result, many of the quarters from this year saw significant wear and tear, making high-grade examples like this MS65 coin more difficult to find. The relatively low survival rate of uncirculated 1947-S quarters in such excellent condition adds to the rarity and value of this coin for collectors.
The 1947-S Washington Quarter graded MS65 by PCGS is an exceptional coin that has been carefully preserved over the years. MS65 (Mint State 65) indicates that the coin is in near-pristine condition, with no signs of wear from circulation and only minimal contact marks or abrasions visible under magnification. These minor imperfections are common in coins stored in bulk at the mint but do not detract from the coin’s overall beauty. The surfaces of the coin retain their original mint luster, and the strike is sharp and well-executed, making this quarter a visually appealing piece. The combination of the sharp design elements, brilliant luster, and high grade make this 1947-S Washington Quarter a desirable addition to any collection of classic U.S. coinage.
The 1947-S Washington Quarter in MS65 condition, certified by PCGS, is a valuable and historically significant piece of American numismatics. Its connection to the post-World War II era, combined with its high-quality preservation, makes it a highly sought-after coin for collectors. The design by John Flanagan, with its timeless depiction of George Washington and the powerful heraldic eagle, continues to resonate with collectors and numismatists alike. As a product of the San Francisco Mint, this coin represents both the craftsmanship of one of the nation’s key minting facilities and the resilience of the American economy during the post-war period. The 1947-S Washington Quarter in MS65 is a testament to the enduring appeal and historical importance of this long-running U.S. coin series.